Controlling display of variable content sign

ABSTRACT

A system determines first content for presentation on a display within an environment when a speed of one or more vehicles within a field of view (FOV) of the display is less than a threshold speed and second content for presentation on the display when the speed of the one or more vehicles within the FOV is greater than the threshold speed. The second content is different than the first content. The system transmits at least one of the first content or the second content to the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority toU.S. application Ser. No. 16/693,695, filed Nov. 25, 2019, which is aContinuation-in-Part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.16/582,891, filed Sep. 25, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,762,809), which isa Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/373,283, filed Apr. 2, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,592,916),which is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/950,445, filed Apr. 11, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,304,360), which is a Continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/363,540, filed Nov. 29, 2016 (now U.S.Pat. No. 9,972,230), which is a Continuation-in-Part of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/657,570, filed Mar. 13,2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,607,510), which is a Continuation-in-Part ofand claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/022,141,filed Sep. 9, 2013 (now abandoned), which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/699,992, filed Sep. 12, 2012, allof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Today's highly saturated television market makes it increasinglydifficult for advertisers or businesses to reach their audiences in acost-effective manner. The advent of cable, satellite television, andhundreds of channels, as well as the fast-growing popularity of digitalvideo recorders, has induced merchants to spend more on advertising.However, the proliferation of media has lessened the number of viewersper medium and per advertising dollar. Studies show up to 40 percent ofadvertising is wasted and TV advertising's return on investment yieldsonly 1 to 4 percent. Newspapers are in decline as well, as theiradvertising base dissipates with the digital age. Accordingly, there isa need for a cost-effective advertising solution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example roadway sign in an active condition, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows an example roadway sign in a static condition, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C shows an example roadway sign including a traffic stop light anda countdown timer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D shows an example system, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram showing an example operation of an exampleroadway sign, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows an example roadway sign positioned beside a directionalsign, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B shows an example free-standing roadside sign, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C shows a vehicle recognition system that may be usable with anexample roadway sign, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2D shows an example roadway sign including shutters, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2E shows the example roadway sign of FIG. 2D, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2F shows the example roadway sign of FIG. 2D, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2G shows a partial image displayed on the example roadway sign ofFIG. 2D, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2H shows an operation of a display, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2I shows the operation of the display of FIG. 2H, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2J1 shows the operation of the display of FIG. 2H, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2J2 shows the operation of the display of FIG. 2H, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2K shows the operation of the display of FIG. 2H, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2L shows the operation of the display of FIG. 2H, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2M shows the operation of the display of FIG. 2H, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows an example vehicle-mounted sign, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows an example system for use in moving vehicles, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram showing an example operation of an examplevehicle-mounted sign, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 shows an example sign attached to a vehicle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an example sign attached to a vehicle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an example sign diagonally mounted atop a vehicle,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an example active sign on a bus, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an example active sign on a delivery vehicle, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A shows an example swing-away sign mounted on hinges on a deliveryvehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B shows the example swing-away sign of FIG. 9A, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A shows an example sign having a pivot, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B shows the example sign of FIG. 10A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A shows an example sign including a privacy filter, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B shows the example sign of FIG. 11A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C shows the example sign of FIG. 11A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 11D shows an example sign usable with a vehicle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11E shows an example sign usable with a vehicle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A shows a back view of an example sign usable with asemi-trailer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the example sign usable with asemi-trailer of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 shows an example sign attached to a van, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows an example sign attached to a motorcycle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A shows a side view of an example sign usable with a trailer in afirst position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B shows a side view of the example sign of FIG. 15A in a secondposition.

FIG. 16A shows a side view of another example sign usable with a trailerin a first position, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16B shows a side view of the example sign of FIG. 16A in a secondposition.

FIG. 16C shows a rear view of the example sign of FIG. 16A in the firstposition.

FIG. 16D shows a rear view of the example sign of FIG. 16A in the secondposition.

FIG. 16E shows a top view of a first variation of the sign of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16F shows a top view of a second variation of the sign of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A shows an example sign including one or more sensors, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B shows the example sign of FIG. 17A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17C shows the example sign of FIG. 17A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17D shows the example sign of FIG. 17A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17E shows the example sign of FIG. 17A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17F shows the example sign of FIG. 17A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17G shows the example sign of FIG. 17A, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 18A shows a first perspective view of an example sign attached toan aerial vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18B shows a second perspective view of the example sign of FIG.18A.

FIG. 18C shows a third perspective view of the example sign of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A shows a perspective view of an example sign attached to anaerial vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19B shows a top view of the example sign of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A shows a side view of an example sign pivotably mounted to a topof a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20B shows a side view of another example sign pivotably mounted toa top of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20C shows a side view of an example sign slidably and pivotablymounted to a rear of a vehicle in a first (e.g., elevated and/ordeployed) position, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20D shows a side view of the example sign of FIG. 20C in a second(e.g., lowered and/or stowed) position.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating example processes usable toimplement example techniques described herein.

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Sign 102 Traffic signal 104 Countdown display display 110 Arm 105Traffic 120 Signal lights 115 Stanchion 130 Display 125 Sensor(s) 140Data resource 135 System 142 External data link 141 Data link 145Computer 143 External traffic 150 Memory control logic 170-190 Blocks146 Manual control 202 Beam 155 Advertising 208 Sight line 200 Roadway212 Sight line directional sign 220 Vehicle recognition 205 Shuttersensors 210 Vehicle 222 Surface sensor 215 Vehicle 240 Privacy filter221 Subsurface sensor 251 Frame 230 Solar panel 253 Pinion 250 Hinge 300Vehicle 252 Drive assembly 310 Banner 254 Curved gear rack 320 Portion305 Hinge 330 Transmitter 315 GPS 400 Deflector 325 Broadcast system 410Pivot arm 340-384 Blocks 500 Pivot 405 Hinge point 1005 Pivot 415 Pivotpoint 1015 Pin 1000 Post 1025 Slot 1010 Arm 1202 First Pivot 1020 Spring1602 First Display 1200 Adjustment 1606 Third Display Mechanism1702A-E   Adjustment 1204 Second Pivot Mechanism 1604 Second Display1804 Viewing Target 1608 Rotatable Display(s) 2102-2108 Blocks 1802Power Source 2002 Adjustment Mechanism

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application describes system(s) and method(s) for controllingcontent displayed on a billboard, display, or other sign. A signaccording to this application may be mounted, disposed, or affixed aboveor adjacent to parking lots, groups of pedestrians, and/or roadways,such as highways, freeways, and/or interstates. In some examples, thesign may be mounted or affixed to ground-based vehicles such as buses,trains, cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers and/or other vehicles (e.g.,water vehicles and/or aerial vehicles).

The sign may include a display that presents content such asadvertisements, promotional offers, public service announcements,notifications, and/or other content to drivers and/or occupants ofvehicles. The content displayed by the sign may include static images,dynamic or periodically changing images, moving displays, teleprompters,videos, and/or any other visual content. Additionally, in someinstances, the content may be a blank image (e.g., blue screen, blackscreen, etc.). When the sign is disposed on a vehicle, the vehicle maybe stationary or may traverse or move through traffic to displaycontent. In some examples, the sign may comprise an electronic display(e.g., a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, plasmadisplay, or other digital display) and/or a non-electronic display(e.g., a non-digital display made of wood, metal, plastic, a combinationthereof, or similar materials suitable for creating a non-digitaldisplay).

In some examples, the sign may be part of a display system that includesa variety of sensors to sense objects in an environment of the displaysystem. For instance, the sensors may be used to detect attributes(e.g., a speed, a location, a position, and so on) of the objects in theenvironment. In the case of a vehicle-mounted display system, sensorsmay also or instead be used by the system to determine attributes (e.g.,a speed, a location, a position, and so on) of the display system (e.g.,the sign) relative to a viewing target (e.g., a pedestrian, group ofpedestrians, a vehicle, occupants of a vehicle, etc.). In some examples,a display system (stationary or vehicle-mounted) may adjust an elevationand/or orientation. In the case of a vehicle-mounted display system, aheight and/or orientation of a sign of the display system may beadjusted based on a speed of the vehicle to which the display system ismounted. As one example, the sign may be elevated for display to one ormore viewing targets proximate the vehicle when the vehicle is travelingat or below a threshold speed (e.g., 10 miles per hour, 20 miles perhour, etc.) and may be automatically lowered when the vehicle exceedsthe threshold speed. As another example, an angle of the sign may beautomatically adjusted based on a speed of the vehicle to reduce windresistance at higher speeds. The position and/or orientation of a signof a vehicle-mounted display system may additionally or alternatively bebased on, for example, a location of one or more viewing targets (e.g.,drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or other people) in the environment ofthe display system, whether or not the sign has been seen by one or moreviewing targets, a location of the display system, and/or one or moreenvironmental conditions (e.g., wind, rain, sun light, etc.).

Content may be output on a display of the display system based on sensordata associated with the sensors. For example, the display system mayuse the sensor data to adjust a viewing angle at which the content isdisplayed, to relocate the system to another location in theenvironment, and/or to determine whether the content was viewed, just toname a few. In various examples, the content to be presented on the signmay be determined and/or adjusted based at least in part on a speed of atarget audience relative to the environment, a speed of the signrelative to a speed of the target audience, a position of the targetaudience, an identity of the target audience, and/or an interactionsensed between the target audience and the display system. These, andother examples, are explained in more detail herein.

In at least some examples, the system described herein may be configuredto receive sensor data from one or more sensors indicative of a positionof a viewing target (a potential viewer of content) relative to the signand adjust a viewing angle over which the display is viewable by theviewing target based at least in part on the received sensor data. Insuch an example, the system may be further configured to output imagedata (e.g., content) for display on the sign at the viewing angle. Here,the viewing angle may represent an angle at which to position thedisplay for reaching the viewing target and may be adjusted in a varietyof ways. For instance, the viewing angle may be adjusted based at leastin part on rotating the sign about horizontal and/or vertical axes,moving the sign, adjusting (e.g., limiting or increasing) the viewingangle from which the display is viewable using one or more screens,shutters, blinds, privacy filters or other view limiting component thatcontrols a range of angles from which the sign is viewable. In someinstances, the sign may include one or more privacy filters disposed inseries or in parallel in front of all or one or more portions of thesign for adjusting the range of angles at which the sign is viewableand/or presenting different content to viewers at different positionsrelative to the sign. For example, utilizing multiple privacy filter maylimit both the viewing distance and restrict viewing of vehicles inadjacent roadways, ramps, intersections and other locations.Additionally using different privacy filters with different viewingangle limits on different portions of the sign may allow for differentportions of the sign to be viewed at different viewing angles.

In some examples, the sensors of the display system may be used todetermine a difference between a speed of an object in the environmentand a speed of the display system, and output content on a display ofthe vehicle-mounted system based at least in part on the determineddifference in speed. In such examples, the difference between the speedof the display system and the speed of the object (e.g., a targetaudience) may be used to determine a viewing angle for outputting thecontent to the target audience thereby ensuring that the content isviewable by the target audience prior to outputting the content.

In some examples, relocating the sign and/or adjusting a viewing anglefor displaying content may be based at least in part on sensor dataassociated with the sign. In such examples, the system may use thesensor data to adjust a range of viewing angles that are visible to atarget audience and select a viewing angle from the range of viewingangles that maximizes a likelihood that the target audience views thecontent. For instance, the sign may select a first viewing angle and asecond viewing angle from the range of viewing angles to maximize anumber of viewers that can view the sign and/or to target one or moreparticular viewers (e.g., viewing targets) from among multiple potentialviewers in the environment. For instance, in some examples, the displaysystem may orient the sign so that the viewing angle is directed towardone or more potential viewers that have not yet viewed the sign and/ortoward whom the sign was not previously directed. In some examples,sensor data may be received from sensors coupled to the sign and/orremote sensors separate from the sign (e.g., sensors disposed in oradjacent to a roadway and/or sensors of another vehicle).

The system(s) and method(s) for controlling display of content maycomprise a stability mechanism (to maximize legibility of the contentduring viewing) and/or an adjustment mechanism (to adjust a positionand/or orientation of the sign relative to a frame or vehicle to whichthe sign is mounted). In examples that employ a stability mechanism,sensor data may be used by the system to make adjustments to anorientation of the sign (e.g., the display) relative to a viewing targetto maintain an optimal viewing angle between the sign and the viewingtarget. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism enables the displayto be positioned in a variety of viewing angles that are each configuredto improve visibility of the displayed content by a viewing target, andmay include positioning the sign automatically based at least in part onsensor data for one or more sensors. In the case of vehicle-mounteddisplay systems, the display system may include one or more motionsensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyros, internal measurement units, etc.)to detect and measure motion of a vehicle to which the display system ismounted and to adjust position and/or orientation of the sign tocompensate for motion of the vehicle. In this way, the system mayimplement a viewing angle that causes the content on the sign to appearstable to the viewing target during viewing. The adjustment mechanismmay additionally or alternatively adjust the sign to account for motionof the vehicle to which the display system is mounted (e.g., due tocontour of a roadway—uphill, downhill, curved, tilted, etc.) orenvironmental conditions that may impact viewing the sign (e.g., windand the like). For example, as the vehicle travels uphill or downhill,one or more sensors, such as a gyroscope and/or a camera, may detect therise or descent of the vehicle and the adjustment mechanism adjust(e.g., tilt) an orientation of the sign. Such orientation (orre-orientation) by the adjustment mechanism may therefore account forvarying roadway conditions to stabilize or reduce motion or rotation ofthe sign relative to a viewer and/or to limit viewing of the sign towithin the determined viewing angles. In some instances, when thevehicle is traveling uphill, downhill, or through hilly areas, the signmay display static content. In some instances, the sign may become blankwhen the vehicle is travelling uphill and/or downhill.

The system described herein may, in some examples, comprise a safetymechanism that prevents content from being displayed when it is unsafeto do so. Additionally or alternatively, law(s) may prohibit displayingcontent on a sign in certain scenarios, and the safety mechanism may beconfigured to turn off, cover, restrict the viewing angle, or otherwiseprevent the sign from outputting content (or limiting a range of viewingangles) to comply with the law. In various examples, the safetymechanism may be configured to determine whether a display outputsstatic content, dynamic content, a combination thereof, or no content atall (e.g., in compliance with laws mentioned above).

The sign may include mechanisms that maximize an advertising impact ofthe displayed content while minimizing potential driver distraction. Forinstance, the sign may include a screen, shutters, mechanical blinds,privacy filter or other view limiting component that limits viewing ofthe sign to within a predetermined distance or range, or when conditionsare otherwise unsafe. In other words, the privacy filter or otherstructure may limit viewing of the displayed content to drivers and/oroccupants of vehicles within the predetermined range. In some instances,the predetermined range may be associated with a range of viewing anglesat which the display, or the displayed content, is visible. The privacyfilter or other structure may prohibit or limit occupants of vehiclesoutside the predetermined range (or viewing angle) from viewing thedisplayed content. Restricting the displayed content in this manner mayminimize or prevent driver distraction. However, as the vehiclesapproach the sign and/or are within the predetermined range (or viewingangles), the driver and/or the occupants of the vehicles may bepermitted to see the displayed content. In this manner, the sign maycontrol viewing of the displayed content to within the predeterminedrange of the sign.

In some examples, the sign may include actuators, motors, or othermechanisms (e.g., the adjustment mechanism noted above) that adjust thepredetermined range at which the displayed content is visible. As anexample, an actuator may operably couple to the sign and change a heightand/or an angle at which the sign is disposed relative to the roadway.The angle and/or height at which the sign is disposed may adjust thepredetermined range at which the displayed content is visible. Theactuator may therefore provide a convenient mechanism to alter theviewing angles at which the displayed content is visible, therebycontrolling a visibility of the displayed content. Additionally, oralternatively, in some instances, the predetermined range at which thedisplayed content is visible may be adjusted through repositioning theprivacy filter or other structure relative to the sign or otherwiseadjusting a range of viewing angles that are visible through the privacyfilter or other structure.

In some examples, sensors may monitor or detect speeds of the vehicleswithin a predefined proximity, vicinity, range, or distance of the sign.In some instances, the sensors may be integrated with or within the signand/or may be separate from the sign. For instance, the sensors may beembedded into roadways, or may be placed on separate structures that areadjacent to the roadway on which the sign is disposed (e.g., post,gantry, traffic signal, vehicle, etc.). In some instances, the sensorsmay detect the speeds of the vehicles as the vehicles approach thepredetermined range of viewing angles at which the displayed content isviewable, or may detect the speeds of the vehicles within thepredetermined range of viewing angles at which the displayed content isviewable.

The sensors may include any type of sensors configured and/or arrangedto detect speeds of the vehicles. In some instances, suitable sensorsmay include radar, sonar, lidar, infrared, acoustic (e.g., detect soundfrom passing vehicles), inductive or magnetic (e.g., wire embeddedwithin the roadway that creates electrical current), microwave (e.g.,sensor measures change in frequency of waves), infrared, video (e.g.,video/image analysis to determine speed of vehicles), piezoelectric(e.g., piezoelectric sensor mounted or integrated into the roadway),and/or pneumatic (e.g., pneumatic road tube disposed across roadway). Asnoted above, these sensors may be integrated into the roadway, may beplaced on a structure positioned beside a roadway, or a structure towhich the sign couples (e.g., post, gantry, traffic signal, vehicle,etc.).

In some instances, the sign may output different content based at leastin part on the speed of the vehicles. That is, based on the speed of thevehicles, the sign may output different content on the display. As anexample, in instances where vehicles are traveling at a high rate ofspeed, or are traveling faster than a predetermined threshold speed, thedisplay may output static content (e.g., a static image, multiplesequential static images, etc.), may prohibit the output of content, mayoutput slowly changing content, or may be made blank (e.g., black image,blue image, etc.). Outputting static or blank images in this scenariomay prevent or minimize driver distraction. In other words, when thespeeds of the vehicles are greater than the predetermined thresholdspeed, the sign may output less distracting or diverting content.Comparatively, in instances where vehicles are stopped, traveling at alower rate of speed (e.g., creeping), or are traveling lower than thepredetermined threshold speed, the display may output dynamic content,such as videos, motion-picture, changing or flashing displays. In someinstances, creeping may refer to traffic moving at a creep, or crawling,under a certain speed. In some instances, the sign or the display mayinclude a teleprompter (or teleprompter-like technology) for varying thecontent displayed. For example, the sign or the display may scroll(e.g., horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and/or combinationsthereof) through lines of text, words, images, and/or other content forpresenting various content to viewers. In this scenario, as vehicles aretravelling at lower rates of speed, the risk of accident and the speedwith which accidents may occur may be lower and, accordingly, the signmay output more dynamic or attention catching content.

In examples in which the sign mounts to a vehicle, the sign may includeone or more sensors to determine speeds, locations, positions,orientations, etc. of the sign and/or a viewing target, and/or contentto be output by the sign. For instance, a first sensor may determine thespeed of the vehicle on which the sign is coupled, while one or moreadditional sensors may determine the speed(s) of the vehicles inoncoming traffic and/or traffic located behind the vehicle. Using thesespeeds (the speed of the vehicle to which the sign is mounted and thespeed of the other vehicles relative to the vehicle to which the sign ismounted), the sign may determine the absolute speed(s) of the othervehicles and the sign may display static or dynamic content based uponsuch absolute speed(s) according to the techniques described above andelsewhere herein.

Sensors may also determine a number or quantity of vehicles within thepredefined proximity, vicinity, distance, or range from the sign. Insome examples, the sign may determine a finite number of vehicles, whilein other examples, the sign may determine a ranges or approximations ofquantity of vehicles (e.g., zero vehicles, 1-5 vehicles, 6-10 vehicles,11+ vehicles, no vehicles, few vehicles, many vehicles, etc.). In someinstances, the sensors may be integrated with or within the sign and/ormay be separate from the sign to determine the number of the vehicleswithin the predetermined range or within the viewing angles of thedisplay. For instance, sensors may be embedded or integrated intoroadways, or may be placed on separate structures that are adjacent tothe roadway (e.g., post, gantry, traffic signal, vehicle, etc.). In someinstances, suitable sensors may include radar, sonar, lidar, infrared,acoustic (e.g., detects sound from passing vehicles), inductive ormagnetic (e.g., wire embedded within the roadway that creates electricalcurrent), microwave (e.g., sensor measures change in frequency ofwaves), infrared, video (e.g., video/image analysis to count the numberof vehicles), piezoelectric (e.g., piezoelectric sensor mounted orintegrated into the roadway), and/or pneumatic (e.g., pneumatic roadtube disposed across roadway).

The sign may utilize the number or quantity of vehicles to determine tooutput different content on the display. For instance, the sign mayoutput certain content based on the number of vehicles such that, upondetecting a specified number or quantity of vehicles within thepredetermined range of the sign, the sign may cause certain content tobe displayed. Determining the number of vehicles within thepredetermined range from the sign may also be used to determine anaverage vehicle speed, which may be utilized to output certain contenton the display (e.g., dynamic content or static content).

In some instances, the number of vehicles may also be utilized todetermine a rate or value associated with displaying the content. Forinstance, a value associated with displaying an advertisement on thesign may be based at least in part on the number of vehicles within thepredetermined range of the sign and/or a number of occupants of vehicleswithin the predetermined range of the sign. In other words, the numberof vehicles within the predetermined range and capable of seeing thedisplayed content may affect a price associated with displaying theadvertisement on the sign. As an example, in rush-hour traffic where alarge number of vehicles are on the roadway, a value associated withdisplaying an advertisement on the sign may increase, as compared to themiddle of the night or in the early morning where not as many vehiclesare on the roadway. Accordingly, using the sensors to determine or countthe number of vehicles, a value of displaying an advertisement on thesign may take into consideration the number of vehicles on the roadwayor a number of occupants within the vehicles. In some examples,advertisers may be charged based on the actual measured number ofimpressions of an advertisement (e.g., a number of people that actuallyobserved or were within range to observe the advertisement during thetime in which it was displayed).

Moreover, advertisers may compete in an auction-like setting to purchaseadvertising space on the sign during rush hour or high-traffic times(e.g., between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.). For example, advertisers maycompete to purchase advertising space for signs located in high-volumeareas and/or a specific times throughout the day. In some instances, thehighest bidder may be awarded the opportunity to present theiradvertisement. However, in some instances, advertisers may reservespecific time periods for presenting their content according topredetermined or flat rates.

In some instances, the sign may utilize the speed of the vehicle(s)within the predetermined range of the sign, as well as the number ofvehicles, when outputting content on the display. For instance, if aspecified number of vehicles within the predetermined range of the signare traveling greater than the predetermined threshold speed, the signmay display static content, may prohibit the output of content on thedisplay, or the sign may be made blank. As another example, if aspecified number of vehicles within the predetermined range of the signare traveling less than the predetermined threshold speed, the sign maydisplay dynamic content, such as videos, motion-picture, changing orflashing displays.

In some instances, the sign may include lifts, jacks, hoists, hydrauliccylinders, pneumatic cylinders, linear actuators, or any combinationthereof to position of the sign relative to the roadway and/or to thevehicle to which the sign couples. In some instances, the sign mayinclude one or more lifts to vertically and/or horizontally position ormaneuver the sign above the roadway. When the sign is a vehicle-mountedsign, the lift(s) may raise and/or lower the sign above the vehicle toincrease or decrease a visibility in front of, or behind the vehicle.Adjusting the vertical and/or horizontal position of the sign may affectthe predetermined range at which the displayed content is viewableand/or the viewing angles at which the displayed content is viewable.Additionally or alternatively the sign may include an adjustmentmechanism configured to adjust an orientation of the display screenrelative to the vehicle or trailer to which it is mounted. In examplesthat include a lift, the adjustment mechanism may be part of, orseparate from, the lift. The adjustment mechanism may be configured torotate the sign about a vertical axis (e.g., rotation from side tofront/back of the vehicle), rotate about a first horizontal axis (e.g.,tilting the sign up or down to capture a range closer or further fromthe sign), and/or rotate about a second horizontal axis (e.g., spinningthe sign counterclockwise or clockwise to adjust an aspect ratio of thesign).

In some instances, the sign may be vertically adjusted based on thespeed and/or the number of vehicles within the predetermined range ofthe sign. As an example, when a specified number of vehicles aretraveling slower than the predetermined threshold speed, the sign may belowered or deployed from a gantry disposed over the roadway to displaycontent. Alternatively, when a specified number of vehicles aretraveling greater than the predetermined threshold speed, the sign mayretract or stow. In examples in which the sign is a vehicle-mountedsign, the sign may be deployed or raised when the speed of the vehicleto which the sign is mounted is at or below a threshold speed (e.g., 5miles per hour, 10 miles per hour, etc.), and may be collapsed,retracted, or folded down, or otherwise lowered when the speed of thevehicle is greater than the threshold speed.

In some examples, the sign may display content that is tailored ortargeted to one or more occupants of a vehicle that is within thepredetermined range and/or viewing angle of the sign. For instance, thesign may include cameras and software to recognize license plates (rearand/or front) or other vehicle identifiers. In some instances, thecameras may be oriented to capture a license plate of a vehicle as thevehicle approaches the sign, such as when the vehicle is within thepredetermined range of the sign. The software may utilize the licenseplate to determine an identity of a driver of the vehicle and/orinformation about the driver or other occupants of the vehicle (e.g.,demographics, number of occupants, age of one or more occupants, gender,etc.). In some instances, the identity of the driver may be used tocross-index available email addresses, phone numbers, and/or useraccounts. The email addresses and/or phone numbers may be utilized todetermine characteristics of the driver. For instance, using anidentification of the driver, the sign (or another communicativelycoupled computing device) may determine preferences of the driver, ashopping or purchase history of the driver, and/or a browsing history ofthe driver. Utilizing this information, the sign may display targetedadvertising directed to the driver. Additionally, or alternatively, thesign may utilize the location of the sign to display content advertisingnearby restaurants, shops, or hotels that are proximate to the locationof the driver.

Moreover, in some instances, the sign may employ facial recognitiontechniques to identify or determination information (e.g., demographics,number of occupants, age of one or more occupants, gender, etc.) aboutoccupants of vehicles (e.g., the driver, passengers, etc.). In otherembodiments, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags may be used toobtain demographic information about the occupants of the vehicle. Forinstance, an RFID tag associated with a vehicle may be read by an RFIDreader of the sign or in communication with the sign to retrieveinformation about the vehicle, driver, or other occupants. In someexamples, the sign may include a global positioning system (GPS), andutilizing a known location of the driver, for instance, via their mobilephone, the system may display targeted content on the sign. In someinstances, the sign may display the content and/or the sign (or anothercommunicatively coupled computing device) may deliver the content to themobile device of the driver. For instance, knowing the location of thesign and the location of the driver, the sign may display anadvertisement for a restaurant located within the vicinity of the sign.This advertisement may be transmitted to the mobile phone of the driveras well and/or other occupants of the vehicle (e.g., by text message,email, an application on the driver's mobile phone, etc.). In someinstances, the occupants of the vehicle may utilize the advertisementsto make reservations (e.g., hotel, restaurant, etc.) and/or place orders(e.g., online retailers).

The sign may vary a brightness of the display depending on the time ofday and/or a direction of the display. For instance, the sign mayinclude a light sensor (e.g., photoresistor) that detects an ambientbrightness (e.g., luminosity) and causes a brightness of the display toincrease during bright daylight and decrease during period of lowerambient light (e.g., evening and nighttime hours). A clock mayadditionally or alternatively be included in and/or in communicationwith the sign and used to determine a time of day and/or determine acorresponding brightness of the display.

In some instances, the sign may be coupled to one or more solar panelsto power components of the sign, such as the display and otherelectronic components of the sign. When the sign is mounted to thevehicle, the vehicle transporting the sign may include solar panels topower the sign. For instance, carrier vehicles, such as a semi-truck,may include solar panels disposed along a hood, roof, top, and/or sidesof the vehicle and/or trailer that supply the sign with power.Electricity generated by the solar panels may be used to chargebatteries, which may be used to power the sign. Additionally oralternatively, in some instances, wind turbines, generators and/oralternators may additionally or alternatively be used to powercomponents of the sign.

The system(s) and methods according to this disclosure may also transmitradio transmissions (e.g., AM, FM, satellite, etc.), online audio, radiofrequency transmissions (e.g., cellular, wifi, Bluetooth, etc.), or aspeaker system to broadcast audio within the proximity or vicinity ofthe sign. In some instances, the audio may be related to and/orsupplement the content output on the display.

These and other details are described further below with reference todrawings showing various example implementations.

Example Roadway-Mounted Sign

FIG. 1A illustrates a sign 100 positioned over a roadway on whichvehicular traffic 105 travels. As shown, the sign 100 may be secured toan arm 110 of a stoplight stanchion 115. In some instances, thestanchion 115 may be located at an intersection, on ramp, off ramp, orother location where vehicles frequent and/or periodically stop.However, the stanchion may also be located along, over, or near otherportions of the roadway.

In some instances, the arm 110 may include one or more signal lights 120that direct or control a flow of the traffic 105. While FIG. 1Aillustrates a particular location of the sign 100 on the stanchion 115,or relative to the signal lights (e.g., in between the signal lights120), the sign 100 may be located adjacent to the signal lights 120,above the signal lights 120, or below the signal lights 120.Additionally, the stanchion 115 may include more than one sign 100.

The sign 100 may include one or more sensors 125 that detect speeds ofvehicles in the traffic 105. In some instances, the sensor(s) 125 maydetect an average or general speed of vehicles in the traffic 105, orthe average or general speed may be computed based on speed measurementsof individual vehicles. The sensor(s) 125 may provide acomputer-sensible digital signal representative of the average orgeneral speed of vehicles in the traffic 105. Additionally, oralternatively, as discussed herein, a vehicle recognition system may beused to determine the speeds of the vehicles within the traffic 105. Thesensor 125(s) may include radar (radio detection and ranging), sonar(sound navigation and ranging), lidar (light detection and ranging),infrared, video, or another vehicle-sensing system that measure thespeeds of the vehicles within the traffic 105.

The sensor(s) 125 may be affixed or coupled to the sign 100, the arm110, and/or the stanchion 115. For instance, the sensor(s) 125 may bepositioned atop the sign 100, on sides of the sign 100, a bottom of thesign 100, and/or may be built into the sign 100. Additionally, oralternatively, the sensor(s) 125 may be located on the roadway (e.g.,embedded therein), positioned adjacent to the roadway on a shoulderand/or positioned above the roadway (e.g., post, gantry, traffic signal,vehicle, etc.).

The sensor(s) 125 may be oriented to detect the speed of the traffic 105as vehicles approach or near the sign 100. As an example, the sensor(s)125 may be arranged to detect the speed of the traffic 105 within about100 meters of the sign 100. However, in other instances, the sensor(s)125 may detect speed of the traffic 105 at other distances, such aswithin about 25 meters, 50 meters, or 75 meters of the sign 100.

The sign 100 includes a display 130 that displays visual images throughthe use of any display technology. The display 130 may include an arrayor discrete and organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or alternatively,may include a plasma screen, a liquid-crystal display (LCD), anelectromechanical screen, a video projection screen, a micro-electricalmechanical systems (MEMS) projection display, etc. In some instances,the sign 100 and/or the display 130 may be configured to visually scrollthrough presented content, such as images and/or text, similar toteleprompters. A brightness of the display 130 may be adjusted toaccommodate a time of day. For instance, the display 130 may increase inbrightness during periods of bright light (e.g., daylight) and decreaseduring periods of low light (e.g., at nighttime).

The sign 100 may be oriented over the roadway to be seen by vehiclesand/or occupants in the traffic 105. The sign 100 may receiveinformation or other data (e.g., image data, video data, etc.) to bedisplayed on the display 130. In some instances, the sign 100 mayreceive the data from a data source or data resource 140 (FIG. 1D) viaone or more network connections, such as satellite, radio, television,Internet, and/or hard-wire. The data resource 140 may transmitinformation about the use of system 135 (or 135′, FIG. 3B) and/or thesign 100 for billing and/or other informational purposes. For example,an amount of time the sign 100 displays a particular piece of content(e.g., advertising material) may be recorded, stored, and/or forwardedfrom the data resource 140 to one or more third-parties. The amount oftime the sign 100 displays the piece of content may be used to determinea value associated with displaying the content. Accordingly, businessesmay be billed for the amount of time their content was displayed on thesign 100.

Additionally, or alternatively, billing may be based on an algorithmthat accounts for one or more weighted factors, including time of day,direction of exposed traffic, day of week, number of vehicles drivingpast the sign 100, holiday impact, local special events, weatherconditions, location of the sign 100, demographics of the vehicle, thedriver, and/or the occupants of the vehicle, geographical demographics,and/or the demand for advertising at a particular location of the sign100. In some instances, advertisers may compete or submit bids forpresenting advertisements. For example, during rush hour times orhigh-trafficked locations, advertisers may submit bids for displayingtheir advertisements. The advertiser with the highest bid may displaytheir advertisement for a specified time slot at the specific location.However, in some instances, advertisers may reserve time slots forpresenting their advertisements according to predetermined rates thatare based on the time and/or location.

In instances where billing is based on a number of vehicles travelingpast the sign 100, in rush-hour traffic where a large number of vehiclesare on the roadway, a value associated with displaying an advertisementon the sign 100 may increase as compared to in the middle of the nightor in the early morning where not as many vehicles are on the roadway.Sensors of the sign 100 or within an environment of the sign 100 maydetermine or count the number of vehicles. A billing associated withdisplaying an advertisement on the sign 100 may take into considerationthe number of vehicles on the roadway and/or a number of occupantswithin the vehicles. In some examples, advertisers may be charged basedon the actual measured number of impressions of an advertisement (e.g.,a number of people that actually observed or were within range toobserve the advertisement during the time in which it was displayed).

In FIG. 1A, the display 130 on the sign 100 may include a video ormoving image (e.g., dynamic). In FIG. 1B a display 130′ on the sign 100may include a static image, such that the image on the display 130′ doesnot change with time. In some instances, the display 130′ may be blankin that no visible information is displayed or the display 130′ may beilluminated to a particular color (e.g., grey, black, blue, etc.). Insome instances, the display 130′ may be blank or illuminated to theparticular color when no paid advertising information is available, orwhen local authorities require this to be the case, for example.

While the signal lights 120 in FIG. 1A is shown separate as beingseparate from the sign 100, in some instances, the signal lights 120 maybe incorporated into the sign 100. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1C,the sign 100 may include a traffic signal display 102 having coloredred, yellow, and green lights to indicate “stop”, “caution”, and “go”instructions to the traffic 105, respectively. The sign 100 may alsoinclude a countdown display 104 that indicates the time remaining inseconds until a “green” or “go” signal or until the traffic signaldisplay 102 changes.

FIG. 1D shows a system 135 that may be used in some instances forcontrolling the sign 100. The system 135 may be energized by local powermains or batteries. In some instances, the system 135 may include solarpanel(s) 230 (FIG. 2D) that capture solar energy and power the system135. In some instances, the system 135 may include a data resource 140,a computer 145, memory 150, the sign 100, and/or the sensor(s) 125. Thedata resource 140 may include programmed instructions for operating thesign 100 and the displays 130, 130′ (FIG. 1A), etc. In some instances,the data resource 140 may represent a slave computer having memory thatreceives information from another communicatively coupled computer(e.g., server). The information may control an operation of the sign100, broadcasts, and the like, from any remote source such as anothercomputer connected via the Internet. The system 135 may include wirelessand/or wired transceivers to provide an external data link 142, such asa satellite link, radio, Internet, or wired connection, that connectsthe data resource 140 to an external traffic control logic 143 thatprovides traffic signal control timing for the traffic signal display102 and the countdown display 104. For instance, when the data resource140 receives a “green” or “go” signal from the external traffic controllogic 143, programmed instructions within the data resource 140 maycause the sign 100 to display a static image so that drivers of vehiclesin the traffic 105 are not distracted.

The computer 145 contains a microprocessor or other logic that obtainsinformation from the data resource 140 and stores the information in thememory 150. The computer 145 may retrieve the programmed instructions asneeded, and at least one or more images for output on the displays 130,130′, as described below in connection with FIG. 3C. The computer 145may also receive signals or other data representative of the speed ofvehicles in the traffic 105 from the sensor(s) 125 as the vehiclesapproach the sign 100.

When the sign 100 is energized, the sensor(s) 125 monitors the speed ofvehicles in the traffic 105 within a predetermined range and as thetraffic 105 approaches the sign 100. The computer 145 may receive thespeed (e.g., speed data) from the sensor(s) 125. When the traffic signal120 is green or a specified number of vehicles reach a predeterminedthreshold speed, for example 40 km/h, the programmed instructions in thememory 150 may cause the display 130′ (FIG. 1B) to be retrieved from thememory 150 and transmitted to the sign 100 for display. As noted above,the display 130′ may be either a static image or blank and may be usedwhen the traffic 105 is moving relatively fast and drivers may not havetime to follow a moving advertisement (or other content) and/or may beunduly distracted. Conversely, upon receiving data from the sensor(s)125 indicating the traffic 105 is moving relatively slowly or below thepredetermined threshold speed, for example, 8 km/h or less, the computer145 may retrieve the display 130 (FIG. 1A) from the memory 150 and maytransmit the display 130 to the sign 100. The display 130 may be used atpredetermined relatively low speeds, such as stop-and-go rush-hourtraffic, when drivers may have time to safely observe moving or dynamicadvertisements and/or are less or unlikely to be unduly distracted.Although speeds of 8 km/h and 40 km/h are used in the above example,other predetermined speeds may be used to present the displays 130 and130′, respectively.

In some instances, certain locales may legislate the speeds, times ofday, etc. when the sign 100 may be active, display dynamic content(e.g., videos, flashing advertisements), display static content, and/orwhen the sign 100 is blank. In such instances, the system 135 mayinclude a manual override control 146 that permits manual control of thesign 100 for emergencies and events (e.g., parades) so that officialsmay take control of the sign 100 in real time and/or for a predeterminedperiod, after which the system 135 may be re-enabled. In some instances,the manual override control 146 may be a panel-mounted or hand-heldrotary switch on the sign 100, or the equivalent. This information maybe provided and controlled by the data resource 140.

The data resource 140 may send updated display information to thecomputer 145 at a predetermined rate so that displays 130 and 130′display available latest information (e.g., most recent or newadvertisements). The display 130′ may include subordinate or short-termadvertising 155 as indicated in FIG. 1B. For example, an advertiser mayoffer discounts to attract business at slow times of the day, or duringnon-peak hours. If the traffic signal display 102 and/or the countdowndisplay 104 are present, the external data link 142 (FIG. 1D) mayreceive signals from the external traffic control logic 143 andtransmits these signals to the computer 145.

In some instances, optional short-range FM or other broadcasting may bebroadcasted in conjunction with displaying the displays 130 and/or 130′and throughout the cycling of a moving and static or blank display.

FIG. 1E is a flowchart showing one aspect of operation of the presentembodiment. Instructions for this mode of operation are contained in thememory 150 of the computer 145. At the start (block 170) the system 135is energized. For instance, the system 135 may be powered by solarenergy captured by solar panels. When manual override is selected by themanual override control 146, an operator may make a manual selection(block 174) to retrieve and display a static display (block 176), toretrieve and display a moving display (block 178), or to display a blankimage on the sign 100 (block 180). If manual override is not selected(block 172), the computer 145 receives information regarding the speedof vehicles in the traffic 105 via the sensor(s) 125 (block 182). If thetraffic 105 is moving faster than a predetermined threshold speed (block184), the computer 145 retrieves and displays a static display from thememory 150 (block 186). If vehicles in the traffic 105 are moving atless than or equal to a predetermined speed (block 188), the computer145 retrieves and displays a moving display from the memory 150. After aselection is made at each choice point (blocks 172, 184, and 188),control of this aspect of the program running in the computer 145returns to the first choice, i.e., manual override (block 172).Operation of the sign 100 may continue in this manner until the sign 100is de-energized.

FIG. 2A shows a roadway directional sign 200 accompanied by anadvertising and/or informational sign 100. The sign 100 may be mountedbeside the roadway directional sign 200 on a beam 202. As discussedabove, in some instances, the sign 100 may include the sensor(s) 125 todetect the speed of the traffic 105. The sensor(s) 125 may also beconfigured to determine the direction of the traffic 105. The sensor(s)125 may transmit speed data to the computer 145 (FIG. 1D), whichdetermines whether the sign 100 displays the display 130 or the display130′.

In some instances, the sign 100 may also display roadway informationand/or other public service announcements, such as “Caution! Slowtraffic for the next 5 miles” or “Amber Alerts.”

FIG. 2B illustrates that instead of being placed overhead, the sign 100may be mounted in a free-standing manner beside a roadway.

FIG. 2C shows the addition of vehicle recognition sensors 220 and 220′in the vicinity of the sign 100. In some instances, the vehiclerecognition sensors 220 and 220′ may be mounted on the sign 100 abovethe roadway, adjacent or on the side of the roadway, across the roadway,or integrated into the roadway. The vehicle recognition sensors 220 and220′ may include cameras and software to recognize license plates onvehicles. In some instances, the vehicle recognition sensor 220 ispositioned or arranged to capture the rear license plate informationafter a vehicle 210 passes beneath the sign 100, while the vehiclerecognition sensor 220′ may be positioned or arranged to capture thefront license plate information as a vehicle 215 approaches the sign100. License plate information and the related model and year of thevehicles 210 and 215 may be used to determine driver demographics anddeliver selective advertising. Additionally, vehicle ownership recordsmay be cross-indexed with available email addresses, Internet addresses,and/or mobile devices to facilitate delivery of selective advertising.For instance, using the email address and/or the mobile phone number ofthe driver, the sign 100 and/or another communicatively coupledcomputing device may analyze a browsing or search history of the driverand determine content specific to the driver. The content may bedisplayed on the sign 100 and/or may be delivered to the mobile deviceof the driver. For instance, utilizing a browser history, the sign 100and/or another communicatively coupled computing device may determinethat the driver enjoys seafood. Using a location of sign 100, the sign100 (or another communicatively coupled computing device) may determinethat a seafood restaurant is nearby may display marketing materialtargeted to the driver. Additionally, or alternatively, the sign 100and/or the system 135 may transmit coupons, reservation links, and/orother marketing material to the mobile device of the driver.

In some instances, cameras and software capable of scanning andrecognizing license plates may include those manufactured by the ThalesGroup of Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex, France, and Perceptics ImagingTechnology Solutions of Knoxville, Tenn.

Additionally, or alternatively, the sign 100 and/or the system 135 mayinclude facial recognition software to identify occupants of vehicles(e.g., driver and/or passengers) for gathering of demographics,determining targeted advertising material, transmitting coupons orreservation links to mobile devices of the occupants, and displaying thetargeted advertising material on the sign 100.

The vehicle recognition sensors 220 and 220′ may also include cameras orother sensors that detect and/or recognize license plates, windshieldtags, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, or other vehicleidentifiers that are usable to identify vehicles or their occupantsand/or to determine demographic information about the occupants. In someinstances, the vehicle recognition sensors 220 and 220′ may be a part ofthe data resource 140 (FIG. 3B).

In addition to the vehicle recognition sensors 220 and 220′, the sign100 and/or the system 135 may include or employ additional sensors thatcount and provide information about passing vehicles. As an example,FIG. 2C illustrates subsurface and surface sensors 221 and 222,respectively, disposed on the roadway in which the vehicles 210 and 215travel. The subsurface and surface sensors 221 and 222 may determine thenumber of vehicles that have entered a designated area adjacent to astop light, for example, ten vehicles deep in three lanes, may determinethe number of vehicles within a predetermined distance, vicinity, orrange of the sign 100, and/or may determine the number of vehicleswithin the viewing angles at which a display of the sign 100 isviewable. In some instances, the subsurface and surface sensors 221 and222 may also determine the speed of the vehicles within thepredetermined distance or range of the sign 100.

The subsurface and surface sensors 221 and/or 222 may be communicativelycoupled to the sign 100 and/or the system 135 to transmit dataindicating the number and speed of vehicles in traffic 105. Forinstance, the subsurface and surface sensors 221 and 222 may beconnected to the computer 145 (FIG. 3B) and transit data indicating thenumber and speed of vehicles in traffic 105. Upon detecting a specifiednumber of vehicles the computer 145 may cause the sign 100 to beactivated. In some instances, the computer 145 may cause the sign 100 tobe activated based at least in part on the speeds of the vehicles beingunder the predetermined threshold speed. Additionally, or alternatively,the computer 145 may cause the sign 100 to be activated (e.g., displaydynamic content) when the signal light is red, and deactivated (e.g.,display static content, a blank screen, or no content) upon a greenlight.

In some instances, the subsurface and surface sensors 221 and/or 222 mayinclude optical, magnetic, force, pressure, and vibration sensors. Asnoted above, although described herein as subsurface and surface sensorspositioned on the roadway, the sign 100 and/or the system 135 mayinclude sensors positioned or coupled to the sign 100 placed above theroadway and/or adjacent to the roadway (e.g., on the shoulder). In otherinstances, vehicle mounted black box systems and/or RFID tags thattransmit vehicle data to roadside, road surface, or road-embeddedsensors may also be used to determine a vehicle count within a definedarea and/or demographically identify vehicle occupants. In someexamples, the sensors may include magnetic sensors sold by the HoneywellCorporation of Morristown, N.J., USA, optical sensors and countingdevices sold by Jamar Technologies, Inc., of Hatfield, Pa., USA.

FIGS. 2D-2I show selectively revealing a sign or portions of the sign100 to viewers at predetermined distances. For instance, FIGS. 2D-2Gshow the sign 100 including a plurality of shutters 205 to selectivelydisplay content output by the sign 100. Additionally, FIG. 2Dillustrates the sign 100 including the solar panel 230 to provide energyfor powering the sign 100 and/or the system 135.

FIGS. 2D-2F show two representative vehicles 210 and 215 located atdifferent distances from the sign 100. For instance, vehicle 210 may benear or closer to the sign 100 than the vehicle 215. The shutters 205may extend across a width of sign 100 and include a sufficient number,length, and angle with respect to the sign 100, such that occupants inthe vehicle 210 are able to see images displayed on the sign 100.Alternatively, as the vehicle 215 is at a greater distance from the sign100 than the vehicle 210, the shutters 205 may partially or completelyblock or prohibit the images displayed on the sign 100. That is, theshutters 205 may prevent occupants in the vehicle 215 from observingimages displayed on the sign 100. As shown, a pair of sight lines 208and 212 between the vehicles 210 and 215 to the sign 100 indicate theportions of display on the sign 100 that are visible.

FIG. 2E is a side view indicating the portions of sign 100 that arevisible to occupants of the vehicles 210 and 215. In some instances, thesight lines 208 and 212 may meet and cross an outer edge of the shutters205. The images displayed on the sign 100 may be visible to theoccupants of the vehicle 210, while the cross-hatched regions under theshutters 205 may not be visible to occupants of the vehicle 215.

FIG. 2F is a side view of the sign 100 with cross-hatching, showingportions of the sign 100 that occupants of the vehicle 215 are notpermitted to see.

FIG. 2G is a frontal view of the sign 100, showing portions of the sign100 that are seen by occupants in the vehicle 215. As shown, theoccupants in the vehicle 215 may be prevented from seeing an entirety ofan image output on the sign 100.

In some instances, the viewing angles and/or viewing distance at whichthe image is viewable may be adjusted and/or modified through varying anumber of shutters, a length of the shutters, and/or an angle at whichthe shutters 205 are coupled to the sign 100.

FIGS. 2H-2L show additional mechanisms to prevent an observer outside ofa predetermined distance or range from the sign 100 from viewing theimage on the sign 100. In other words, observers within thepredetermined distance or range may be permitted to view the image onthe sign 100. Those observers who view the sign 100 within apredetermined range of viewing angles, as measured in a vertical planeperpendicular to the sign 100, display panel, or surface of the sign 100will be able to view the image output on the sign 100. As such, theenabled observers will be within the predetermined range from the sign100, while observers who view the sign 100 from outside thepredetermined range are outside the predetermined range of viewingangles and will not be able to see the image output on the sign 100.

FIGS. 2H-2J1 show a sign 100′ that projects two different images, eachat a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of a display of thesign 100′. In some instances, the sign 100′ may utilize technologydeveloped by Sharp Electronics, of Japan. This technology, called the“Sharp Dual Directional Viewing LCD” splits light into left-of-centerand right-of-center images within the display of the sign 100′. A viewerpositioned to the left-of-center of the display sees a first image,while a viewer positioned to the right-of-center of the display sees asecond image. In this sense, the sign 100′ may represent a dualdirectional viewing display that display multiple images. In someinstances, the sign 100′ presents two images that are displacedvertically from one-another. That is, observers at different verticalangles, and hence different distances from the plane of the sign 100′,may see different images. In some instances, the presentation of the twoimages may be accomplished by using two (or more) privacy filters instacked relationship (i.e., in series). For example, a first privacyfilter and a second privacy filter may be in stacked relationship, wherethe first privacy filter may be rotated relative to the second privacyfilter by a predetermined about (e.g., 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.).In other examples, different privacy filters with different viewingangles may be disposed on different portions of the display so thatdifferent portions of the display may be viable from different viewingangles. These example configurations may limit viewing angles of thedisplay and/or present content to different viewers at varying positionsfrom the display.

FIG. 2H shows the vehicles 210 and 215 and the sight lines 208 and 212.FIGS. 2I and 2J1 show the display 130 and the display 130′,respectively, that are seen by occupants in the vehicles 210 and 215,respectively. The sight line 212 includes zigzag portions to indicatethat the distance from the vehicle 215 to the sign 100′ is compressed.The sign 100′ may be tilted at a predetermined angle θ from a verticalor plane to enable selection or adjustment of the sight line angles forthe vehicles 210 and 215. However, while FIG. 2H illustrates aparticular angle of the sign 100′, signs according to this applicationmay be disposed at other angles, including vertical 90° from ahorizontal axis or plane. Additionally, the sign 100′ may provide adifferent number of sight lines, such as three sight lines, using a“Triple Directional Viewing LCD”. The sign 100′ may provide three sightlines, instead of two sight lines, for instance, to allow for greaterviewing options. The signs, termed multi-directional viewing signs, mayenable simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, a blank screen, ora dark screen by occupants of vehicles at predetermined distances orangles.

The signs of the instant application may additionally or alternativelyuse a “Switchable Viewing-Angle Liquid Crystal Display” to provide anarrow viewing angle such that a viewer positioned to the left or rightof center of the display sees no image, while a viewer positioned at ornear the center at an approximate right angle to the display is able toview an image. An example of this directional viewable sign 100″ isshown in FIG. 2J2 and is rotated 90° so that the directional viewablesign 100″ is viewable by occupants of vehicles within a predeterminedrange of vertical viewing angles. For instance, the occupants of avehicle 210′, which is relatively close to the directional viewable sign100″, may view the display at relatively large vertical angle (nearly90°) as measured from the plane of the directional viewable sign 100″,and thus may see a displayed image. The directional viewable sign 100″may also be viewable by the occupants of the vehicle 210′ when thevehicle 210′ is within a range of other close distances or large angles(around 90°). However, occupants of a vehicle 215′, which is relativelydistant from directional viewable sign 100″ and may be outside the rangeof viewable distances and angles, may view the directional viewable sign100″ at a relatively smaller vertical angle and thus may not be able toview the displayed image. In some instances, the directional viewablesign 100″ may be mounted at any angle (e.g., about 40°) such that theviewable distance range may vary. In some instances, the directionalviewable sign 100″ may be disposed at an angle such that an imagedisplayed by the directional viewable sign 100″ may be viewable be fromabout 9 meters to about 21 meters, as measured from a position on theground directly under the directional viewable sign 100″. However, theimage may be viewable at other distances from the directional viewablesign 100″ through varying a height of the directional viewable sign 100″above the roadway and/or adjusting an angle at which the directionalviewable sign 100″ is disposed.

FIGS. 2K and 2L show a sign 100 with predetermined restricted viewingangles. While the directional viewable sign 100″ in FIG. 2J2 illustratesthe directional viewable sign 100″ including an electronic technology torestrict viewing of a displayed image to within viewing angles andaccording to a viewer's distance from the directional viewable sign100″, FIGS. 2K and 2L show an instance employing a film or other screenoverlaid on a sign. In some instances, the screen may be disposed atvarious angles relative to the sign 100 to restrict the viewing angles.For instance, viewing angles for the traffic 105 may be restricted bythe use of a privacy filter 240, such as the model ALCF-P ABR2, sold by3M Company, of Minneapolis, Minn., USA. In some instances, the privacyfilter 240 may be placed in front of and/or parallel to the sign 100.

The privacy filter 240 may include a plastic film that contains aplurality of louvers. At large vertical angles (e.g., nearly 90° orperpendicular to the surface of the sign 100), most of the light fromthe sign 100 may pass through the privacy filter 240 so as to beviewable by observers within vehicles who are close to the sign 100.However, at smaller viewing angles that are relatively far from orperpendicular to the sign 100, the privacy filter 240 may block all orsubstantially all of the light from the sign 100. The image on the sign100 may be selectively shown to vehicles nearer or farther away from thesign 100 by tilting the sign 100 to predetermined angles. For example,to allow vehicles close to the sign 100 to view the image (or otherinformation) on the sign 100, the sign 100 may be tilted downwardtowards the roadway. Tilting the sign 100 towards the roadway may allowoccupants within the vehicles to view the image as their line of sightis generally perpendicular to the sign 100. Alternatively, tilting thesign 100 upward may allow vehicles far from the sign to see the image onthe sign 100.

In some instances, the privacy filter 240 may be oriented so that thesign 100 is visible by viewers who are relatively close to the sign 100(e.g., 9 meters, 21 meters, etc.). However, as noted above, by tiltingthe sign 100 from a 43° angle to the ground or horizontal plane (FIG.2K) to a 49° angle (FIG. 2L), for example, the image displayed by thesign 100 may become visible at greater distances. In some instances, thesign 100 may tilted between a range of about 0° to 90° to adjust anorientation of viewing angles to an audience. In such examples, theviewing angles may be further adjusted by using the privacy filter 240.In these examples, the sign 100 tilted at a 49° angle to the ground orhorizontal plane (FIG. 2L), may increase or decrease the sight line tothe audience by employing the privacy filter 240 to achieve an angleabove or below the 49° angle without changing the tilt of the sign 100.Thus, a viewing angle may be adjusted based on a tilt of the sign 100, aprivacy filter 240 or other structure that limits viewing of the sign towithin a predetermined distance or range of viewing angles, or acombination thereof. When a privacy filter is used, the privacy filtermay not entirely block display of content at angles outside the viewingangle. For instance, the privacy filter may allow a small amount ofbleed through at angles outside the viewing angle (e.g., in the range of1-10%) while still substantially limiting distraction of viewers outsidethe viewing angle.

FIG. 2M shows the privacy filter 240 oriented so that the imagedisplayed by the sign 100 is visible over a horizontal angular range of30° to either side of a plane perpendicular to the sign 100. Inaddition, more than one privacy filter 240 may be combined in series oroverlapped and at right angles to each other so that the sign 100 isvisible within a narrow region bounded by 30° vertical and horizontal.For example, the sign 100 may include a first privacy filter and asecond privacy filter, where the second privacy filter may be rotated 90degrees relative to the first privacy filter. However, other angularranges may be used. In such instances, the multiple privacy filters maylimit both the viewing distance and/or restrict viewing of drivers inadjacent roadways, ramps, intersections and other locations.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sign 100 maybe oriented vertically (so that the plane of the sign 100 isperpendicular to the plane of the roadway beneath) or at other anglesthan shown and discussed herein. For instance, in FIGS. 2K and 2L, thesign 100 may mount to a frame 251 that is secured to an arm 110 thatextends from a stanchion (FIG. 1A), or may include another mountingarrangement that supports frame 251. A hinge 250 may be positioned atthe lower edge of the sign 100, thereby connecting the sign 100 to theframe 251 and permitting the sign 100 to tilt downward at predeterminedangles. A drive assembly 252 including a motor and gearbox mayrotatably, hingedly, or pivotably connect to a pinion gear 253. In someinstances, the drive assembly 252 may be secured to the frame 251 nearor adjacent to the upper edge of the sign 100. A curved rack gear 254,having a radius of curvature equal to, or substantially equal to, theheight of the sign 100 may attach or couple to the sign 100 at one endand may engage the pinion gear 253 on the drive assembly 252. When thedrive assembly 252 is energized, the pinion gear 253 rotates and mayrotate the plane of the sign 100.

The drive assembly 252 may be energized by instructions from thecomputer 145 (FIG. 1D). In some instances, when the drive assembly 252includes a stepper motor, the angle of the sign 100 may be determined bycounting the number of energizing pulses applied to the motor. Withother types of motors, for example, a DC or an AC motor, a feedbackmechanism such as a rotary encoder may provide this angular informationto the computer 145. In some instances, the energy source used for thesign 100 may also power the drive assembly 252. Additionally, as notedabove, one or more components of the system 135, such as the sign 100,may be powered via solar energy captured by the solar panel 230 andstored in one or more batteries.

In some instances, when the sign 100 is vertical or at 90° with respectto the roadway beneath, as shown in FIG. 1A, the sign 100 may be seenfrom the greatest distance (e.g., the maximum audience, by occupants inthe traffic 105). In some instances, when tilted at 49° to the roadway,as shown in FIG. 2L, sign 100 may be seen by occupants in fewervehicles, and when tilted at 43°, as shown in FIG. 2K, even feweroccupants are able to see the sign 100. However, the sign 100 may betilted at any angle from 0 to 90° with respect to the plane of theroadway beneath. Additionally, this same arrangement may be used withthe shutters 205 on the sign 100, as shown in FIGS. 2D-2G, with plainsigns, such as in FIG. 1A, as well as the directional viewing sign 100,as shown in FIG. 2H.

Accordingly, the selection of the size of the viewing audience may bemodified through modifying an angle at which the display of the sign 100is viewable, which may be useful in maximizing display exposure atdifferent times of the day. For example, during rush hour, if it isknown that vehicles within a depth of ten vehicles will be stopped orslowly moving within six seconds of a red light, the sign 100 may betilted so that its viewing range is limited to the depth of ten vehiclesand then activated following those six seconds.

Example Vehicle-Mounted Sign

FIGS. 3A and 9A illustrate a sign 100 mounted, coupled, or disposed on avehicle (e.g., bus, train, car, truck, etc.). In some instances,including the sign 100 on the vehicle and may provide additionaltargeted advertising capabilities. The sign 100 and/or the vehicle mayinclude a global positioning system (GPS) to track a location of thevehicle and deliver location-based targeted advertising.

FIG. 3A shows a vehicle 300A with the sign 100. In some instances, thesign 100 may represent a swing-up sign mounted on the rear of thevehicle 300A. The sign 100 may optionally mount on the vehicle 300A byone or more hinges 305 that allow sign 100 to be lifted up and away fromthe rear of the vehicle 300A for access to a compartment or storage areaat the rear of the vehicle 300A. In some instances, the sign 100 may bepositioned fully downward, as shown in FIG. 3A, and may be secured bysprings within a latching mechanism or the hinges 305. For instance, thesprings may bias the sign 100 against the vehicle 300A such that thesign 100 is perpendicular to a roadway on which the vehicle 300Atravels.

In some instances, the sign 100 and/or the vehicle 300A may include abanner 310. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3A, the banner 310 mayaffixed to the rear of the vehicle 300A, below the sign 100. In someinstances, the banner 310 may display additional messages or content ina similar manner as the sign 100. Additionally, the banner 310 may alsobe displayed as a “crawler” or moving sign along the bottom of the sign100. In some instances, the banner 310 may display time-sensitiveinformation to direct a viewer to tune in to a short-range FM broadcastor select a particular radio station. However, the banner 310 maydisplay other messages or content.

FIG. 3B shows an electronic control system 135′, which in someinstances, may include similar components or be similar to the system135 (FIG. 1C). The system 135′ may control the operation of the banner310 and, in some instances, may receive location data from a GPS 315.The system 135′ may also be powered at least in part by the solar panel230. For instance, the solar panel 230 may be mounted atop a roof of thevehicle 300A and may generate power via solar energy. In some instances,the vehicle 300A and/or the sign 100 may include a generator and/or analternator for powering the sign 100, providing power to the sign 100,and/or charging batteries of the sign 100. In some instances, the sign100 may be powered by components of the vehicle 300A and/or componentsof the sign 100.

In some instances, the system 135′ may include a short-range FM, AM,and/or a broadcast system 325 (e.g., mobile device, cell phone, etc.)that transmits information associated with the display 130 on the sign100. The information transmitted to a mobile device of the driver, maysupplement an advertisement on the display 130 of the sign 100, forinstance.

The GPS 315 provides location data to the computer 145 as the vehicle300A travels from one location to another. The computer 145 may receivelocation-specific information from the data resource 140 and may causethe sign 100 and/or the banner 310 to display content in either a movingor static form. For instance, the sign 100 and/or the vehicle 300A mayinclude the sensor(s) 125 configured to detect speeds of vehicles withina certain vicinity or range of the sign 100 and/or the vehicle 300A. Thesensor(s) 125 may be arranged to detect speeds of oncoming traffic(e.g., in a direction the vehicle 300A travels) and/or speeds of trafficlocated behind the vehicle 300A.

In some instances, the sign 100 may include additional sensors todetermine a speed at which the sign 100 is traveling, or maycommunicatively couple to the speedometer of the vehicle 300A. Dependingon the speed of vehicle 300A and/or the other traffic 105 (FIGS. 1A, 2A,and 2B) in a vicinity of the sign 100, the sign 100 and/or the banner310 to display content in either a moving form (e.g., periodicallychanging) or a static form (e.g., blank or visual).

In addition, in some instances, a portion 320 of the display 130 on thesign 100 may be devoted to displaying location-sensitive information,such as proximity or distance to a business or other venue associatedwith advertisements being displayed on the sign 100.

FIG. 3C is a flow chart showing the operation of the system 135′according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In thisexample, the system 135′ may connect to one or more sign or broadcastingmodule discussed previously (e.g., a broadcast system, a banner, aroadway sign, and/or a vehicle sign). After being energized (block 340),the computer 145 may periodically determine an availability of data fromthe data resource 140, for example. In some instances, the computer 145may periodically determine the availably of data once per day, everythree hours, at midnight, or any other time the data resource 140 and/orthe system 135′ are operative (block 342). This determination may bedone via a data link 141 (FIGS. 1C and 3B) that connects the computer145 to the data resource 140 (e.g., satellite, radio, internet, wiredconnection, and the like). When data is available from the data resource140, the computer 145 may download the data via the data link 141. Uponbeing downloaded, the data may be stored in memory 150 (bock 344).

The computer 145 may determine whether the information received is for abroadcast system (block 346) and if so, may send the information to thebroadcast system 325 (block 348). When information for a broadcast issent to the broadcast system 325, the system 135′ may determine if theGPS requirement contained in the information is met (block 350). Forinstance, the system 135′ may determine whether the broadcast system 325is located within parameters supplied by the advertiser and relayedthrough the data resource 140. If this is true, the system 135′ maydetermine whether the duration of the broadcast has been exceeded (block352). If the duration of the broadcast has not been exceeded, controlmay revert to block 350 and loop through blocks 350 and 352. Thisprocess may continue until either the GPS requirement is not met (i.e.,the vehicle 300A is outside the predetermined advertising area) or thepredetermined duration of the broadcast has been exceeded. In eithercase, if the GPS requirement is not met or the duration of the broadcasthas been exceeded, control may advance to block 354 and the broadcast isstopped. After the broadcast is stopped, control may revert to memory150 to determine if additional broadcasts are stored and ready for use.

In some instances, the sign 100 may operate similar to that for thebroadcast. For instance, the computer 145 may continually check the GPSand duration requirements of the broadcast system (blocks 350 and 352)and/or the computer 145 may determine if memory 150 contains newinformation (block 358) for the banner 310 (FIG. 3A). If so, thisinformation is sent to the banner 310 (block 360). As described above,the GPS and duration requirements are tested (blocks 362 and 364). Whenthe GPS requirement is not met and/or the required duration of thebanner 310 has been exceeded, control may advance to block 354, thebanner 310 may be cleared (e.g., output blank image or prohibitdisplay), and the memory 150 may be checked for new information.

While the computer 145 may determine the requirements for the banner 310and/or the broadcast system 325, the computer may also determine ifinformation is available in the memory 150 of the computer 145 (block344) for a roadway or vehicle sign 100 (block 370). If the informationis for a roadway or vehicle sign, the information, including both staticand moving images, may be sent to the sign (block 372). In someinstances, the GPS requirement is determined (block 374) and thecomputer 145 may also determine whether the speed of the vehicles in thetraffic 105 is below the predetermined threshold speed (block 376), asdiscussed above. If the speeds (or an average thereof) of the vehiclesare greater than the predetermined threshold speed, such that one ormore vehicles are moving faster than the predetermined threshold speed,the sign 100 may output (block 382) the display 130′ (FIG. 1A, forexample). Alternatively, if the speeds (or an average thereof) of thevehicles are lower than the predetermined threshold speed, such that oneor more vehicles are traveling at less than the predetermined thresholdspeed, the sign 100 may output (block 380) the display 130.Additionally, a duration the sign 100 displays the display 130′ and/orthe display 130 may be compared against a duration. If the predeterminedduration for displaying either the display 130′ or the display 130 isexceeded, control may advance to block 354 and the sign 100 may prohibitdisplay of the content. The sign 100 may therein be readied for a nextdisplay or advertisement. However, if the duration of displaying thedisplay 130′ or the display 130 is not exceeded, control may return toblock 374 and the process may loop through blocks 376, 380, 382, and 384until the duration is exceeded and/or the GPS requirement is no longermet.

The system 135′ may, in some instances, operate in the same manner asthe system 135, with the addition of the GPS 315. The above isillustrative of one example of many aspects possible with thisembodiment. For instance, the actual programming steps are determined byconditions at the location of the sign 100, advertising demand, localrestrictions, and the like.

FIG. 4 shows a sign 100 mounted atop a vehicle 300B. In some instances,the sensor 125 may be positioned at or near a top of the sign 100 andmay face towards the rear of the vehicle 300B. The sign 100 may besecured to one or more bars and/or deflectors 400 on a roof of thevehicle 300B via a slidable pivot 405. A pivot arm 410 may attach orcouple to the side of the sign 100 at a first end and a pivot point 415on the vehicle 300B. The pivot arm 410 may also attach or couple toanother side of the sign 100 at a second end and a pivot point on thevehicle 300B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sign 100 may be movable between an elevatedposition and a lowered position. The elevated position of the sign 100is shown in solid lines, while the lowered position of the sign 100 isshown in dashed lines. As the sign 100 moves up and down, between theelevated position and the lowered position, the sign 100 may be securedin a vertical position by the pivot arm 410. In some instances, the sign100 may be in the elevated position when the vehicle 300B moves atspeeds below a predetermined threshold, and may be in the loweredposition above when the vehicle 300B moves at speeds above thepredetermined threshold. In some instances, the sign 100 may transitionbetween the elevated position and the lowered position via a hydraulicor pneumatic cylinder, a motor, actuators, or the like. The system 135or 135′ may control the raising and lowering of the sign 100 on thevehicle 300B.

In some instances, the sign 100 and/or the vehicle 300B may include awind (or air) deflector or a spoiler mounted in front of the sign 100,in a direction of travel of the vehicle 300B. The wind deflector mayreduce an aerodynamic drag of the sign 100, may reduce an overall windresistance of the sign 100, increase a fuel economy of the vehicle 300B,increase vehicle stability during travel, and/or may decrease wear onthe sign 100 and/or the vehicle 300B.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative mounting of a sign 100 on a vehicle300C, showing that the sign 100 may be movable between an elevatedposition and a lowered position. The elevated position of the sign 100is shown in solid lines, while the lowered position of the sign 100 isshown in dashed lines. In some instances, the sign 100 may transitionbetween the elevated position and the lowered position via a pivot 500.The sign 100 may transition between the elevated position and thelowered position via several mechanisms. For example, the pivot 500 maycontain a spring that allows the sign 100 to pivot downward when a speedof the vehicle 300C exceeds a predetermined threshold. Additionally, oralternatively, a motor or cylinder may be used, as discussed inconnection with FIG. 4 to raise and lower the sign 100.

In some instances, the sign 100 may face forward with respect to thevehicle 300C, so as to present content to oncoming vehicles, or may facerearward with respect to vehicle 300C to present content to vehicleslocated behind the vehicle 300C. In some instances, the vehicle 300C mayinclude multiple signs, where one sign faces forward and another signfaces rearward. The sign(s) 100 may be controlled by the system 135 or135′, as described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sign 100 mounted diagonally on a vehicle 300C. Thesign 100 may be oriented to face opposing traffic and the display 130may be active when traffic is stopped or moving below the predeterminedthreshold speed. For instance, the sensor(s) 125 may determine that thespeed of oncoming traffic is below the predetermined threshold speed andthe sign 100 may present the dynamic display. In some instances, asecond sign 100 may be added and oriented to face traffic on an oppositeside of the vehicle 300C. Additionally, or alternatively, a third sign100 may face toward the rear of the vehicle 300C. In some instances,each sign may be equipped with a respective sensor(s) 125 to sense speedand/or may receive independent data feeds from the system 135 (FIG. 3B).

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a sign 100 mounted or coupled to the rear of abus or recreational vehicle 300D and a delivery vehicle 300E,respectively.

FIG. 9A illustrates a sign 100 mounted or coupled to the rear of adelivery vehicle 300F. In some instances, the sign 100 may be coupled tothe rear of the delivery vehicle 300F by the hinges 305, as shown inFIG. 9A, to permit a user to access a door or storage area at the backof the delivery vehicle 300F. FIG. 9B illustrates the sign 100 in alowered position in solid lines, and in an elevated, or alternate,position in dashed lines. The hinges 305 permit the sign 100 to lift ortransition to alternate position, thereby allowing access to the rear ofthe delivery vehicle 300F.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an alternative mounting for a sign 100. Insome instances, the alternative mounting may be useful when the sign 100is subjected or exposed to strong winds. For instance, tilting the sign100 with respect to the direction of the wind may reduce a force appliedto the sign 100 and/or a mount coupled to the sign 100, thereby reducingpotential damage to the sign 100 and/or damage a vehicle (e.g., roof) ora fixed stanchion to which the sign 100 is secured. As shown, the sign100 may be secured to a post 1000 via a pivot 1005 and about which thesign 100 may rotate. A spring 1020 may urge the sign 100 to rotateclockwise about the pivot 1005. The pivot 1005 may be disposed away froma center of the sign 100 such that as wind strikes a front of the sign100, the sign 100 may pivot about the pivot 1005 and rotate in thedirection indicated in FIG. 10B.

A curved arm 1010 with a slot 1025 is secured to the post 1000. A pin1015 may be disposed in the slot 1025 and secure the curved arm 101 tothe sign 100. For instance, the pin 1015 may slidably move within theslot 1025 as the sign 100 rotates about the pivot 1005. In someinstances, the pin 1015 may rests against a lower end of the slot 1025via a counterclockwise torque exerted on the sign 100 by the spring1020.

As wind strikes the front of the sign 100, the wind may exert a torqueon the sign 100, as shown in FIG. 10B. If the force of wind overcomesthe force exerted by the spring 1020, the sign 100 may rotate about thepivot 1005 and swing in a direction as indicated in FIG. 10B. In someinstances, the pin 1015 may limit a rotational or angular distance thesign 100 may travel. When the force of the wind on the sign 100 is belowa predetermined amount (e.g., the amount of tension force applied by thespring 1020), the spring 1020 urges the sign 100 back to a verticalposition, as shown in FIG. 10A.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrate a sign 100 disposed above a vehicleand in an erected or deployed state. As shown, the vehicle may be infront of or ahead of traffic 105. The sign 100 may include the displays130 and/or 130′, respectively, for presenting content to the occupantsof the vehicles in the traffic 105. In FIG. 11A, the sign 100 may beassociated with a display sight line at which the displays 130 and/or130′ are viewable. For instance, the sign 100 may include the privacyfilter 240 to limit angles at which the displays 130 and/or 130′ areviewable. The sign 100 and/or the vehicle to which the sign is mountedmay include mechanisms, hinges, and/or actuators that change the viewingangles at which the displays 130 and/or 130′ are viewable.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 11A, the displays 130 and/or 130′ may beviewable at an angle of 30 degrees such that certain occupants withinthe traffic 105 are permitted to view content output on the sign 100. Indoing so, the displays 130 and/or 130′ may be directed to be viewablefrom a predetermined distance from the sign 100. However, the sign 100may pivot, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, to adjust the displays 130and/or 130′ to a different portion of the traffic 105. As such, theviewing distance and/or the range of viewing angles may be modified.

The sign 125 includes one or more sensors 125 that detect speeds ofvehicles in the traffic 105 to present the display 130 and/or thedisplay 130′.

FIGS. 11D and 11E illustrate the sign 100 in a folded-down or retractedstate. In the retracted state, the sign 100 may prevent display ofcontent to the traffic 105. In some instances, the sign 100 may retractbased at least in part on the speed of the vehicle (to which the sign100 couples) traveling faster than a predetermined speed. Additionally,FIGS. 11D and 11E illustrate that the sign 100 may vary in height orsize, which may affect the viewing angles of the sign 100 and/or theamount of the traffic 105 that is able to view the displays 130 and/or130′. For instance, as shown, the sign 100 in FIG. 11E may be largerand/or may extend farther than the sign 100 in FIG. 11D, therebypermitting more of the traffic 105 or occupants to observe the displays130 and/or 130′ when the sign 100 deploys.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate a vehicle-mounted display systemcomprising a sign 100 mounted or coupled to the rear of a semi-trailer300G. In some examples, the sign 100 may comprise one or more displaysconfigured to control output of content at one or more viewing angles.As shown in FIG. 12A, the sign 100 comprises a display movably mountedto the rear semi-trailer 300G by an adjustment mechanism 1200. Theadjustment mechanism 1200 is configured to change a position and/ororientation of the sign 100 relative to the semi-trailer 300G. Forinstance, the adjustment mechanism 1200 in this example includes a pairof pivot arms 410. First ends of the pivot arms 410 are coupled to thesemi-trailer 300G at first pivots 1202 and second ends of the pivot arms410 are coupled to second pivots 1204. The pivot arms 410 are rotatablerelative to the semi-trailer 300G about the first pivots 1202 and thesign 100 is rotatable relative to the pivot arms 410 about the secondpivots 1204. In some examples, the first pivots 1202 and/or the secondpivots 1204 may include actuators (e.g., motors and/or gearboxes) todrive rotation of the pivot arms 410 about the first pivots 1202 and/orto drive rotation of the sign 100 about the second pivots 1204.

FIG. 12B is a side view of the vehicle-mounted display system of FIG.12A, and shows the sign 100 positioned in a first, elevated positionshown in solid lines, and a second, lowered position shown in dashedlines. FIG. 12A illustrates the sign 100 in the second, loweredposition. In the first position, the sign 100 is elevated at leastpartially above a top of the semi-trailer 300G to increase a visibilityof the sign to vehicles behind the semi-trailer in traffic. In thesecond position, the sign 100 is recessed at or below the top surface ofthe semi-trailer 300G, thereby reducing a force applied to the sign 100by air when the semi-trailer is moving.

In the first, elevated position, the sign 100 is elevated above aviewing target (one or more vehicles located behind the semi-trailer300G) and is oriented such that an axis normal to a face of the sign isoriented below the horizon (as shown by the larger dashed arrowprotruding from the face of the sign 100 in FIG. 12B). In some examples,position and/or orientation (e.g., the angle of the sign relative to thehorizon) may be adjusted based on a speed of the semi-trailer to whichthe sign is mounted. In some examples, an angle between the axis normalto the face of the sign and the horizon may be increased to reduce awind resistance of the sign 100 when the semi-trailer 300G is moving ator above a first threshold speed). Additionally or alternatively, aposition of the sign 100 may be moved from the first position to thesecond position in response to the semi-trailer 300G moving at or abovea second threshold speed, which may be the same as, less than, orgreater than the first threshold speed.

The vehicle-mounted display system of FIGS. 12A and 12B also includesone or more sensors 125. In various examples, the sign 100 may outputcontent based on an identity of a viewer (e.g., using facial recognitionto target content to the identified viewer) captured by the one or moresensors 125. The sign 100 may also or instead be configured to receive asignal from the viewer (e.g., a signal from a mobile device of theviewer) captured by the sensor(s) 125, and responsive to receiving thesignal, output different content to the same viewer (a first viewer) orto a new viewer (a second viewer). In some instances, the semi-trailer300G may include a wind deflector for reducing drag. The wind deflectormay be positioned in front of the sign 100, mounted atop thesemi-trailer 300G.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sign 100 mounted diagonally on a top surface of avan 300H. The sign 100 may be oriented to face opposing traffic and thedisplay 130 may be active when traffic is stopped or moving below thepredetermined threshold speed. As illustrated tin FIG. 13, one or moresensors 125 are mounted to the van 300H. However, in other examples, thesensor(s) 125 may also or instead be coupled to or integrated with thesign 100. In some examples, the sign 100 may be mounted to a vehicleoffering a ride-share service (e.g., the van 300H) thereby providingrevenue to the ride-share service by advertising content on the sign100. The sign 100 may additionally or alternatively convey informationabout the status of the ride-sharing service (e.g., that the van isoccupied or is available for hire).

FIG. 14 illustrates a sign 100 mounted diagonally to a motorcycle 3001.Although only one side is visible, in some examples, the sign 100 mayinclude a pair of displays mounted diagonally on opposite sides of themotorcycle 3001 (e.g., in a V-shape with the point of the V orientedtoward a front of the motorcycle 3001). While illustrated as mounteddiagonally in this example, in other examples, the sign 100 may includeone or more displays oriented in different directions (e.g., front,back, sides, etc.) or that are movable through the use of differentadjustment mechanism(s) that enable the sign 100 to rotate and/ortranslate (e.g., move left, right, front, back, up and/or down) relativeto the motorcycle 3001. In the illustrated example, the sign 100 ismounted to the motorcycle 3001 via multiple elongated supports. Whileshown as being of fixed length, the elongated supports may betelescoping or otherwise adjustable in length to change an elevation ofthe sign relative to the motorcycle 3001. For instance, the sign 100 maybe adjustable between a first, elevated position (as shown in FIG. 14)and a second, lowered position (not shown).

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a sign 100 disposed on a side of a trailer300J in a retracted state and an elevated state, respectively. In someexamples, the sign 100 may be located on one or both sides of thetrailer 300J. One or more sensor(s) 125 may sense objects located infront of, behind, above, or to the sides of the trailer 300J. Forinstance, the sensor(s) 125 may be directed to sense objects (potentialviewers) located in a same direction of travel as the trailer 300J, anopposite direction of travel as the trailer 300J, and/or on lateralsides of the trailer 300J (e.g., pedestrians next to or nearby thetrailer). In some examples, the sign 100 may display content at aviewing angle to target the content to a viewer located in front of,behind, and/or next to the trailer 300J. In some examples, a privacyfilter (privacy filter 240) or other view limiting component mayrestrict viewing of the content to a viewing target located in front of,behind, and/or next to the trailer 300J. In this way, the sign 100 maynot appear visible from all angles, thereby improving safety forvehicles or pedestrians that otherwise may be distracted by the contentof the sign 100 if presented without the privacy filter or other viewlimiting component.

FIG. 15B illustrates the sign 100 in an elevated state (relative to thetrailer 300J) to reach one or more viewers. For instance, the sign 100may be relocated (e.g., moved, lowered, raised, etc.) relative to thetrailer 300J based at least in part on sensor data from sensor 125. Insome examples, the sign 100 may adjust a viewing angle for a viewer byraising or lowering the sign 100 (e.g., to increase or decrease a rangeof viewing angles available to the one or more viewers), titling thesign (e.g., tilting a top or bottom of the sign outward from the trailer300J), and/or rotating the sign (e.g., rotating the sign clockwiseand/or counterclockwise to adjust an aspect ratio of the sign). Invarious examples, the sign 100 may output content in the elevated statewhile in transit and/or while stationary. The sign 100 may be raisedusing an adjustment mechanism including, for instance, one or moreelectric motors, hydraulic pumps, pneumatic compressors, or otheractuators. In some examples, the elevated state of the sign 100 maycorrespond to an active display state (content may be output fordisplay) and the retracted state may correspond to an inactive state(content may not be output for display). Additionally or alternatively,content may be output for display on the sign 100, and be viewable to aviewer, while in the retracted state.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D show side and rear views of atrailer-mounted display system including a sign 100 mounted to a vehicletrailer 300K. In some instances, one or more sensors 125 may bepositioned at or near a top of the sign 100 and may face towards thefront, rear, sides, or at any other angle relative to the vehicletrailer 300K. As shown, the sign 100 may be movable between an elevatedposition (FIGS. 16 A and 16C) and a lowered position (FIGS. 16B and16D). In some examples, the sign 100 mounted to the vehicle trailer 300Kmay be adjusted to output content is any direction (front, rear, sides,etc.) to face a viewing target. In some instances, the vehicle and/orthe vehicle trailer 300K may include a wind deflector for reducing dragof the sign 100.

The vehicle and/or the vehicle trailer 300K may include variouscomponents for powering the sign 100. For example, the vehicle and/orthe vehicle trailer 300K may include a generator and/or an alternatorfor providing power to the sign 100 and/or charging batteries of thesign 100. In some instances, the generator may produce sufficientwattage or power to lift, rotate, and/or orient the sign 100, as well aspower components of the sign 100 (e.g., the display, the sensors, etc.).

FIG. 16E is a top view of a first variation of the trailer-mounteddisplay system of FIGS. 16A-16D, in which the sign 100 includes a firstdisplay 1602, a second display 1604, and a third display 1606 mounted ina triangular configuration with the first display 1602 and the seconddisplay 1604 mounted in a V-shape with the point oriented toward a frontof the trailer, and the third display 1606 mounted parallel to atrailing end of the trailer. The first display 1602, second display1604, and third display 1606 may be raised and lowered collectively orindividually by one or more adjustment mechanisms.

FIG. 16F is a top view of a second variation of the trailer-mounteddisplay system of FIGS. 16A-16D, in which the sign 100 includes arotatable display 1608 which may be rotatable relative to the trailer300K about a vertical axis and/or one or more horizontal axes. Therotatable display 1608 may have a range of rotation of at least about 30degrees up to 360 degrees. In some examples, the rotatable display 1608may be a double sided display capable of displaying content on opposingsides.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a sign 100 disposed above a vehicle and inan elevated or deployed state. As shown, the vehicle may be in front ofor ahead of traffic 105. The sign 100 may include the displays 130and/or 130′, respectively, for presenting content to the occupants ofthe vehicles in the traffic 105. In FIG. 17A, the sign 100 may beassociated with a display sight line at which the displays 130 and/or130′ are viewable. For instance, the sign 100 may include the privacyfilter 240 view-limiting component to limit angles at which the displays130 and/or 130′ are viewable as described in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C,for example. The sign 100 and/or the vehicle to which the sign 100 ismounted may include adjustment mechanisms which may include, forexample, hinges, and/or actuators that change the viewing angles atwhich the displays 130 and/or 130′ are viewable. In some examples, theviewing angles may be adjusted in dependence upon sensor data receivedfrom one or more sensors 125. For instance, the display sight line inFIG. 17B reaches a viewing target further from the sign 100 than aviewer reached by the display sight line in FIG. 17A and may be achievedby the sign 100 receiving sensor data and modifying a position (e.g.,height) and/or orientation (e.g., tilt) of the sign 100. In thisexample, tilting the sign 100 up slightly (e.g., 1-5 degrees) enablesthe content on the display to reach a viewer at a greater distance ascompared to the viewer in FIG. 17A.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the displays 130 and/or 130′ may be viewable at afirst viewing angle such that certain occupants within the traffic 105are permitted to view content output on the sign 100. In doing so, thedisplays 130 and/or 130′ may be controlled to be viewable from apredetermined distance from the sign 100. However, the sign 100 maypivot and/or tilt, as shown in FIG. 17B, to adjust the displays 130and/or 130′ to a different portion of the traffic 105. As such, theviewing distance and/or the range of viewing angles may be modified todirect the viewing angle to particular viewing targets among multiplepotential viewers. In some examples, modifying the viewing distanceand/or the range of viewing angles may be based on sensor data receivedfrom the sensor 125. In some examples, the sign 100 may be elevatedand/or tilted at various viewing angles to account for hilly roadways(e.g., to reach a viewer at a different elevation than the sign 100).

FIGS. 17C and 17D, show the sign 100 in a deployed state, while FIGS.17E, 17F, and 17G show the sign 100 in a folded-down or retracted state.In the retracted state, the sign 100 may prevent display of content tothe traffic 105. In some instances, the sign 100 may retract based atleast in part on the speed of the vehicle (to which the sign 100couples) traveling faster than a predetermined speed. Additionally,FIGS. 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, and 17G illustrate that the sign 100 may varyin height and/or mounting location (e.g., using adjustment mechanisms1702A, 1702B, 1702C, 1702D, and/or 1702E), which may affect the viewingangles of the sign 100 and/or the amount of the traffic 105 that is ableto view the displays 130 and/or 130′. For instance, as shown, the sign100 in FIG. 17G may extend farther (e.g., to account for elevationchanges in the traffic 105 behind the vehicle) than the sign 100 in FIG.17D, thereby permitting more of the traffic 105 or occupants to observethe displays 130 and/or 130′ when the sign 100 deploys. In someexamples, the sign 100 may limit the field of view to avoid outputtingcontent to a moving vehicle in the traffic 105. The adjustmentmechanisms 1702A, 1702B, 1702C, 1702D, and/or 1702E may, in someexamples, be integrated with or comprise a mount that secures the sign100 to a vehicle. Moreover, sensors may detect a rise or descent in theroadway (e.g., hills), or of the vehicle to which the sign 100 couples,and the sign 100 may be adjusted (e.g., tilted). Moreover, in someinstances, the sign 100 may display static or non-variable content, ormay become blank, based on the vehicle traveling uphill and/or downhill.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C illustrate an example display system including asign 100 coupled to an aerial vehicle 300L. As illustrated, the aerialvehicle 300L comprises the sign 100, one or more sensors 125, a solarpanel 230, and a power source 1802. The sign 100 may be configured in avariety of ways to control content output for display (e.g., employingthe stabilizing mechanism, the adjustment mechanism, privacy filters,and so on). In some examples, sensor data from the one or more sensors125 may cause adjustments to a viewing angle of the sign 100 relative toa viewing target 1804. Adjustments to the viewing angle of the sign 100can be made by controlling the position (in 3D coordinate space) and/ororientation (roll, pitch, and/or yaw), thereby controlling the positionand orientation of the sign 100 by virtue of its attachment to theaerial vehicle 300L. Additionally or alternatively, the sign 100 may becoupled to the aerial vehicle 300L by a gimble, pan-tilt mount, or otheradjustment mechanism to control the position and/or orientation of thesign 100 relative to the aerial vehicle 300L. While not numbered, thetriangular support to which the sign 100 is coupled in FIG. 18B may berepresentative of such an adjustment mechanism. In the illustratedexample, the viewing target 1804 represents a group of pedestrians.However, in some examples, the viewing target 1804 may comprise a singlepedestrian, an occupant of a vehicle, or a vehicle itself.

In some examples, the sensor(s) 125 may be used to detect a speed of theaerial vehicle 300L, a motion (e.g., acceleration, vibration, etc.) ofthe aerial vehicle, a speed of the viewing target 1804, a location ofthe aerial vehicle, a geographic location of the viewing target 1804, aposition of the viewing target 1804 relative to the aerial vehicle, oneor more environmental conditions, and so on. In some examples, theviewing angle of the sign 100 may be adjusted (changed from a firstposition and/or orientation to a second position and/or orientation)relative to the viewing target 1804 based at least in part on the speedof the aerial vehicle 300L, the speed of the viewing target 1804, thelocation of the viewing target 1804, the position of the viewing target1804, other sensor data, or a combination thereof.

In general, the sensor(s) 125 (and related sensor data) may be used toreconfigure the sign 100. For instance, the sensor(s) 125 may be used toraise, lower, rotate, tilt, translate, etc. the sign 100 based on aviewing angle determined by the sensor(s) 125. In various examples, thesensor data may be used to change a position of the sign 100, such as bycontrolling the aerial vehicle to travel along a road side, to reach agreater number of viewers or an individual viewer. In some examples, asdescribed further below, the sensor(s) 125 may comprise cameras tocapture faces, gestures, and/or gaze direction of one or more potentialviewers, and may reposition the sign 100 based at least in part on theface detection, gestures, and/or gaze direction so that the sign is inor proximate to a potential viewer's line of sight. The sensor datacaptured by the sensor(s) 125 may be processed by one or more local(e.g., on the vehicle) or remote (e.g., at a remote computing device orcloud processing resource) using one or more known models to perform theface detection, expression interpretation, facial recognition, gazedetection, gesture detection, etc. In some examples, the sensor(s) 125may additionally or alternatively capture gestures (e.g., facialexpression, head nod/shake, hand gesture, etc.) of one or more viewersindicating that the viewer(s) have seen the sign 100. The sensor(s) 125may additionally or alternatively capture one or more viewer reactionsto the sign (e.g., facial expressions, body language, speech, etc.)and/or interaction with the sign (e.g., request to purchase an itemadvertised on the sign, request to see different content, request forthe sign to relocate, etc.). Based on any or all of the foregoing sensordata, the position and/or orientation of the sign 100 may be changed.

In some examples, the aerial vehicle 300L adjusts to environmentalconditions (e.g., wind, sunlight, etc.) to maintain a desired viewingangle. For instance, as the aerial vehicle 300L changes positionrelative to the environment (e.g., in three dimensions), the orientation(e.g., roll, pitch, and/or yaw) of the aerial vehicle 300L and/or anadjustment mechanism coupled to the sign 100 may be controlled tomaintain an orientation of the sign constant relative to a viewingtarget. That is, the orientation of the sign 100 may be controlled suchthat an axis protruding normal to a surface of the display is maintainedsubstantially aligned with a viewing target as the aerial vehicle 300Ltranslates in the environment. As mentioned, maintaining and/ormodifying a viewing angle may, for example, be based on tilting theaerial vehicle 300L relative to the environment (as shown in FIG. 18C)and/or tilting the sign 100 relative to the aerial vehicle 300L (asshown in FIG. 18B). In this way, the sign 100 may be configured tooutput content at a variety of viewing angles that optimize viewing byan audience.

The aerial vehicle 300L may also comprise the solar panel 230 to providepower to the aerial vehicle 300L and/or the sign 100. In some examples,the solar panel 230 may be coupled to the power source 1802, such as oneor more batteries, capacitors, alternators, or other power storagedevice that provide power suitable for the sign 100 to output contentand for the aerial vehicle 300L to propel itself in the environment, andso on. In various examples, the solar panel 230 and the power source1802 may vary in configuration (e.g., size, number of components, powercapability, etc.).

By way of example and not limitation, the aerial vehicle 300L may bedeployed from a vehicle such as a semi-trailer 300G and return to thesemi-trailer 300G for charging (e.g., charging the power source 1802 viasolar panel(s), generators, and/or one or more batteries on thesemi-trailer 300G). In some examples, the aerial vehicle(s) may bedeployed during traffic when vehicle speeds are below a threshold speed(e.g., stopped, below 5 miles per hour, below 10 miles per hour, etc.),and may return to the semi-trailer 300G (or other vehicle) when batterycharge levels are low and/or it is determined to no longer be safe tooperate the aerial vehicle 300L (e.g., due to environmental conditionsthat may impact operation of the aerial vehicle 300L, a low charge ofthe power source 1802, congestion in the environment, unsafe location,and so on). In some examples, the sign 100 may be controlled to output astatic image or a blank screen when a viewing target is above athreshold speed and to output video or moving images when the viewingtarget is at or below the threshold speed. As in the previous examples,the measured speed of the viewing target may correspond to a speed of anindividual viewer or an average speed of a group of viewers, forexample. In some instances, the sign 100 may output moving images in ateleprompter-like fashion by scrolling or panning through a series ofimages, text, and/or other content.

In some examples, the aerial vehicle 300L may receive sensor datawirelessly transmitted from sensor(s) attached to another vehicle (e.g.,the tractor trailer mentioned above) or in the environment and use acombination of sensor data obtained by the aerial vehicle 300L andsensor data obtained by the other vehicle to determine a viewing angle,a position of the sign 100, a position of the aerial vehicle 300L, or acombination thereof. In some examples, the combination of sensor datamay also or instead be usable for determining whether to relocate asupport vehicle (a vehicle with charging capabilities for the aerialvehicle 300L).

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate another example sign 100 coupled to anaerial vehicle 300L. As illustrated, the aerial vehicle 300L includessolar panel(s) 230 configurable to tilt relative to the aerial vehicle300L, as shown in dashed lines. In some examples, the solar panel 230may be arranged on the aerial vehicle 300L with an adjustment mechanismsuitable for changing the solar panel 230 in any axis in 3D space (e.g.,to align the solar panel with the sun, or as ballast to compensate forthe weight and position of the display). As illustrated in FIG. 19A, theadjustment mechanism includes a universal joint, a tiltrod, and aturntable, though other adjustment mechanisms are contemplated. In suchan example, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjustrotation and tilt of the solar panel 230 along an x-axis, a y-axis,and/or a z-axis. In this way, the solar panel 230 may be adjusted in avariety of positions to capture the rays from the sun.

The sign 100 attached to the aerial vehicle 300L may include one or moredisplays (e.g., displays 130 and/or 130′) to present content in multipledirections (e.g. front, behind, and/or adjacent to the aerial vehicle300L). In some instances, the display comprises a curved screen and/or aflexible screen. In some examples, the sign 100 may use a display thatoutputs multiple views on a single screen. In this example, the multipleviews may be configured to reach different viewers at differentpositions in the environment.

In some examples, the sign 100 may be used in parking lots (e.g., to apedestrian or occupants of a stationary vehicle), a toll booth (e.g.,presenting content for a lane in lieu of or in addition to tolls),and/or a construction zone (e.g., content is presented while vehiclesare stopped, traffic signals relating to the construction site arepresented). When used in a construction site, for example, the sign 100may output content indicative of when traffic will move again, or othertraffic warnings. Additionally or alternatively, while traffic isstopped waiting for the construction, the sign 100 may present one ormore advertisements or other content. For example, the sign 100 maypresent an informational notice indicating where the funding for theconstruction project came from (e.g., from the advertising revenuegenerated by viewers like them viewing this sign). In one illustrativenon-limiting example, the sign 100 may be incorporated into a trafficsign such as a sign used by a flagger, or an automated traffic sign usedin lieu of a flagger, thereby presenting content while drivers arewaiting during traffic. In various examples, the sign 100 mayadditionally or alternatively present for display a warning messageand/or a countdown to traffic movement.

The sign 100 may employ a variety of detection techniques to senseobjects in an environment while providing different levels of privacyfor one or more viewers. For example, the sign 100 may employ facedetection to detect a face of a viewer while maintaining privacy for theviewer (e.g., not identifying the viewer's face), gaze recognition towhether eyes are directed toward the sign 100 (e.g., can determine thata viewer viewed the sign, while identify of the user can remainprivate), facial recognition to identify the individual viewing thecontent on the sign 100 (e.g., based on a public database of faces,based on a database of users/subscribers to a service, etc.). In variousexamples, the face detection, gaze recognition, and/or facialrecognition employed by the sign 100 may be used to determine whetherthe sign 100 was viewed, whether the sign 100 is viewable by aparticular viewer, whether a particular user viewed the sign orparticular content displayed by the sign, and/or whether a viewerinteracted with the sign 100. For instance, sensor(s) 125 of the sign100 may determine a location of a target audience (e.g., an individualviewer or multiple viewers) relative to the sign 100, and based on thedetermined location, determine whether the display is viewable by thetarget audience. In some examples, after determining that the sign 100is viewable by the target audience, the sign 100 may output image data(content) for display on the sign 100. In some examples, afterdetermining that the sign 100 is not viewable by the target audience,the sign 100 may relocate and/or determine another viewing angle foroutputting the image data (or new image data) for display on the sign100 to again attempt to display the sign to the target audience.Additionally or alternatively, in response to determining that a viewingtarget has viewed the content, the sign 100 may be controlled torelocate to present the content to a different viewing target.

In addition to providing different levels of privacy, employing thedetection techniques described herein may enable the sign 100 to detecta variety of interactions between the sign 100 and one or more viewers.In some examples, sensor(s) 125 of the sign 100 may detect humangestures, facial expressions, body language, and/or speech to gaincontext for whether or not to present content for display and/or todetermine which content to display. In some examples, the sign 100 maydetect an interaction representing a gesture, expression, body language,or speech from the target audience and determine a meaning of theinteraction (a thumbs up/thumbs down, a wave, a smile, a frown, a wink,a laugh, a shrug, a slump, a sigh, a voice command or response, etc.).In one such example, the sign 100 may control content for display basedon the interaction (e.g., relocating the sign 100 or presenting newcontent when a thumbs down or other interaction indicative of a dislikefor the presented content is detected, presenting specific content whena thumbs up or other interaction indicative of a like for presentedcontent is received at a sensor of the system, etc.). In still furtherexamples, an interaction may be represented by a signal, such as asignal from a mobile device of the target audience. Here, the targetaudience may interact with the sign 100 (e.g., via a mobile device), andreceive content (an offer, a promotion, etc.) responsive to theinteraction. In various instances, the sign 100 may detect a wave andinterpret the intent of the wave as friendly or unfriendly (e.g., wavingthe sign away), and control the contents for display based on theinterpretation (ceasing output of content/relocating when the wave isunfriendly, presenting new content when the wave is friendly).

In some examples, the sign 100 may apply gaze tracking on a targetaudience and move the sign 100 and/or a display coupled to the sign to aposition aligned with the tracked gaze of the target audience. That is,upon detecting a gaze of a target audience, the sign 100 may adjust anorientation (location, position, speed, and so on) to track the detectedgaze and ensure the content continues to reach the target audience asthe target audience moves in the environment.

In various examples, advertising revenue may be output on the sign 100to provide viewers with a benefit to increase tolerance for the sign 100generally. For instance, revenue related to displaying content by thesign 100 may be communicated to a viewer to show that the sign 100benefits the viewer by contributing revenue to the environment in whichthe sign 100 operates (e.g., contributes revenue to a constructionproject at which the sign 100 is located, revenue for infrastructureprojects in the region in which the sign is deployed, revenue for atourist attraction that the user is visiting, etc.).

In some examples, the sign 100 may comprise a light source to emit avisual and/or audio indicator (either on the display or separate fromthe display) to attract attention to the sign 100. For instance, thesign 100 may present content for a threshold period of time, maydetermine that the content has not been viewed (using any of thetechniques described herein), and/or may present the visual and/or audioindicator prior to the threshold period of time elapsing. By way ofexample and not limitation, the sign 100 may output the visual indicatorin the form of flashing light emitted from the display, flashing lightemitted from a light source coupled to the sign 100, an audible signalsuch as music, an announcement, or the like.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an alternative mounting of a sign 100 on avehicle 300M and a vehicle 300N, respectively, showing that the sign 100may be movable between an elevated position and a lowered or retractedposition. In FIG. 20A, the elevated position of the sign 100 is shown insolid lines, while the retracted position of the sign 100 is shown indashed lines. In FIG. 20B, the elevated position of the sign 100 isshown in dashed lines, while the retracted position of the sign 100 isshown in solid lines. In some instances, the sign 100 may transitionbetween the elevated position and the retracted position, or anyposition therebetween, via adjustment mechanisms 2002A and 2002B. Anenlarged view of the sign 100 is shown in relation to FIG. 20B and showssensor 125 as being integrated into the sign 100. In some examples, thesensor 125 may be coupled to the sign 100 in various ways and may, inother examples, be separate from sign 100 but remain in communicationwith the sign 100. The enlarged view of the sign 100 shows the elevatedposition slots for securing the sign 100 in the extended and retractedpositions, however, any number of slots or other securing mechanisms maybe used to securely position the sign in any position between theelevated position and the retracted position.

In some examples, the adjustment mechanisms 2002A and 2002B may containa spring or other biasing member that allows the sign 100 to pivotdownward (e.g., to relieve force applied by air resistance) when a speedof the vehicle 300M and/or 300N exceeds a predetermined threshold. Insome examples, the spring may allow the sign 100 to relieve stress thatmay otherwise damage the sign (e.g., caused by environmental conditionssuch as wind). In various examples, the adjustment mechanisms 2002A and2002B may comprise a “break away” device that limits stress on the sign100 by alleviating an amount of force that comes into contact with thesign 100. In some examples, such the “break away” device may allow thesign 100 to change to a retracted position when the sign encounters asufficient force (e.g., the sign encountering an overhead structure).Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment mechanisms 2002A and 2002Bmay comprise a motor or cylinder, as discussed in connection with FIG. 4to reposition (e.g., raise and lower) the sign 100. Further, theadjustment mechanisms 2002A and 2002B may also or instead comprisehydraulic, pneumatic, jack screw, mechanisms that enable the sign 100 tochange orientation relative to the vehicle 300M and/or 300N. Forinstance, while not shown, the adjustment mechanism 2002A and 2002B maybe configured to rotate the sign 100 about a vertical axis (e.g.,rotation from displaying content to the front/back of the vehicle 300Mand/or 300N as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B to displaying content to thesides of the vehicle), rotate about a first horizontal axis (e.g.,tilting the sign up or down to capture a range closer or further fromthe sign 100), and/or rotate about second horizontal axis (e.g.,rotating the sign clockwise and/or counterclockwise to adjust an aspectratio). In some examples, the adjustment mechanism 2002A and 2002B mayalso or instead be configured to translate the sign 100 in any axis in athree-dimensional coordinate system.

The vehicle 300M and/or the sign 100 may also include a wind deflectorfor reducing drag when the sign 100 is in the elevated position.

FIGS. 20C and 20D illustrate an alternative mounting of a sign 100 on avehicle 300M showing that the sign 100 may be movable between anelevated position and a lowered or retracted position. In FIG. 20C, theelevated position of the sign 100 is shown in solid lines at a firstposition, while a second position of the elevated position of the sign100 is shown in dashed lines. As illustrated, the first position of thesign 100 shown in solid lines may be associated with different viewingangles for outputting content on the sign 100 as compared with viewingangles associated with the second position of the sign 100 in dashedlines. In these examples, the change in tilt between the first positionand the second position causes different viewing angles to reachdifferent viewing targets. In some examples, whether in the firstposition or the second position, the sign 100 may output content at oneor more viewing angles using a privacy filter or other structure thatlimits viewing of the sign 100 to within a predetermined distance orrange.

In some instances, the sign 100 may automatically transition between theelevated position and the retracted position via adjustment mechanism2002C. For instance, the adjustment mechanism 2002C may be configured torotate the sign 100 about a vertical axis (e.g., rotation from side tofront/back of the vehicle 300M) and/or rotation about a horizontal axis(e.g., tilting the sign up or down to capture a range closer or furtherfrom the sign 100) based at least in part on data from the sensor(s)125. In various examples, the adjustment mechanism 2002C may be coupledto and/or include mounting hardware for mounting the sign 100 to thevehicle 300M.

As noted above, FIG. 20D shows the sign 100 in the retracted position.In some examples, content may be prohibited from being output fordisplay while in the sign 100 is in the retracted position (e.g., whilethe display is in a retracted state). However, in other examples, thesign 100 may output content for display while the sign 100 is in theretracted position. In these examples, the sign 100 may output staticimage data and/or dynamic image data for display based at least in parton a speed of the sign (e.g., speed of a vehicle or trailer on which thesign is mounted) and/or a speed of one or more vehicles in theenvironment of the sign 100.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D show one or more sensors 125 for sensingobjects in an environment of the vehicle 300M and/or 300N. In variousexamples, objects in the environment may include a viewing target suchas a vehicle or a pedestrian. The sensor 125 may be integrated into thesign such that the sensor 125 occupies a portion of the sign 100 withoutbeing physically noticeable and without impeding output of content onthe sign. Generally, the sensor 125 may, in some examples, generatesensor data that identifies a speed of one or more vehicles, a speed ofthe sign, a location of the one or more vehicles, and/or a location of aviewing target, just to name a few. The sensor 125 may also or insteadreceive a signal that indicates an area of the environment in whichoutputting content for display is prohibited. Although the sensor 125 isshown in FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D some examples may omit the sensor125 entirely such as when the sign 100 is non-digital (e.g., a sign thatoutputs static content).

Although FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D show that the sign 100 may bemovable between an elevated position and a lowered or retractedposition, any position between the elevated position and the retractedposition may also be used to present content. For instance, adjustingthe sign 100 to a position between the elevated position and theretracted position may enable a variety of viewing angles to reach aviewing target(s) at varying distances from the sign 100.

Various example embodiments are described herein. Modifications andcombinations of the example embodiments described herein and/or featuresthereof are contemplated and are within the scope of this disclosure. Asone nonlimiting example, any of the signs and/or displays describedherein can be used with any of the mounts, adjustment mechanisms,linkages, arms, or other components. As another nonlimiting example, anyof the adjustment mechanisms described herein may comprise an actuator(e.g., one or more motors, hydraulic pumps, pneumatic compressors, etc.)to translate (move up, down, left, right, front, or back) and/or rotate(about longitudinal, lateral, and/or vertical axes) one or more signs.The adjustment mechanism(s) may include one or more gears, linkages,chains, belts, reductions, levers, screws, hoses, tubes, wires, or othermechanisms to transmit energy from the actuator to the sign. In variousexamples, the adjustment mechanism may comprise pivot 500 and/or pivot1005. In some examples, the adjustment mechanisms may automaticallyposition the sign 100 in one or a variety of available positions basedat least in part on data received from one or more sensors such assensor 125. As another non-limiting example, while only one sensor isshown in some embodiments, any number of any of the sensors describedherein may be used, including multiple sensors of a same type and/ormultiple different types of sensors. As yet another non-limitingexample, any of the features or components described for a stationarysign can be included in and/or applied to a vehicle-mounted sign andvice versa.

Example Methods

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating example processes 2100 usable toimplement example techniques described herein. In some instances, someor all of processes 2100 can be performed by one or more components inthe electronic control system 135′ or the system 135. By way of exampleand not limitation, the sign referred to in process 2100 may berepresentative of the sign 100 (associated with the examples of FIGS.1-20E). However, the process 2100 is not limited to being performed bythe electronic control system 135′ or the system 135.

At operation 2102, the process 2100 can include determining a speed of avehicle to which a sign is coupled. For instance, the sensor 125 maydetermine a speed of a vehicle to which the sign 100 is attached usingone or more adjustments mechanisms described herein (e.g., actuator,mount, pivot, etc.). In some instances, the speed of the vehicle may becompared to a threshold speed (e.g., a predetermined speed). In someinstances, when nearby traffic is moving above a predetermined speed,the sign 100 may display a still or blank image. In some instances, thesign 100 may cease output of an image when traffic is moving above thepredetermined speed. Alternatively, when nearby traffic is stopped ormoving below a predetermined speed, the sign may display changinginformation such as videos or a series of changing images. In someinstances, the series of changing images (or other content, such astext) may be display in a teleprompter-like fashion. For example, thesign 100 may present the series of images in a successive manner and/oraccording to predetermined speeds. The speed of traffic may bedetermined for a single vehicle (e.g., a viewing target), an average ofmultiple vehicles in a viewing angle/range of the sign, a maximum speedof vehicles in the viewing angle/range of the sign, or the like. Byoperating in this way, the sign may maximize the impact ofadvertisements while minimizing distraction of nearby drivers.

At operation 2104, the process 2100 can include positioning the sign 100in a first position or a second position. For instance, using anadjustment mechanism (e.g., adjustment mechanism 1702 and/or 2002), thesign 100 may be positioned in an elevated position, a retractedposition, or any position therebetween. In some examples, positioningthe sign 100 may include the adjustment mechanism adjusting position(e.g., elevation, lateral, and/or longitudinal position) and/ororientation (e.g., roll, tilt, and/or yaw) of the sign to adjust thesign 100 to a viewing target. Adjusting position and/or orientation ofthe sign may, for example, be performed automatically in response todetecting a speed of a vehicle to which the sign is mounted. In variousexamples, positioning the sign 100 may be based at least in part on acomparison of the determined speed of the vehicle and a threshold speed.For example, the sign 100 may be adjusted to a first position (e.g., anelevated position) when the speed of the vehicle is less than thethreshold speed and/or be adjusted to a second position (e.g., aretracted position) when the speed of the vehicle is greater than orequal to the threshold speed. Positioning the sign at operation 2104 mayinclude changing the position and/or orientation of the vehicle in theenvironment (and thereby changing the position and orientation of thesign by virtue of its attachment to the vehicle) and/or by using anadjustment mechanism to change a position and/or orientation of the signrelative to the vehicle to which it is mounted.

At operation 2106, the process 2100 can include receiving additionalsensor data. For instance, the sign 1200 may receive sensor data fromthe sensor(s) 125 as the vehicle travels along a roadway. In someexamples, the additional sensor data may include GPS data, map data, orother location data indicating that the vehicle is travelling in an areathat the sign is prohibited from displaying content, in which case thesign may be controlled to display no content (e.g., blank or blackscreen) and/or to position the sign in a stowed or retracted position.In some examples in which the sensor data includes location data, thelocation data may be used to determine content to be displayed on thesign. For instance, the display system may determine content to displaybased at least in part on the location (e.g., display an advertisementfor sporting apparel when the vehicle is located near a sports arena,display an advertisement for a restaurant or other business near thelocation of the vehicle, etc.). In still further examples, theadditional sensor data may detect a change in speed of the vehicle froma previous time or relative to a speed of other vehicles in anenvironment of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor125 may generate additional sensor data that represents a position of adetected viewing target at a position in the environment, a face, a gazedirection, a gesture, facial expression, body language, speech,identifies an identity of a viewing target, etc. Additional sensor datamay also, in some examples, be indicative of an environmental condition(e.g., wind, sunlight, horizons, hilly roads, etc.). In some examples,the additional sensor data received at operation 2106 may be fed back tothe display system and used to adjust a position and/or orientation ofthe sign.

At operation 2108, the process 2100 can include selecting content tooutput for display. Generally, selecting content may comprise adjustingcontent for output from among available content. In examples when thesign is not an electronic display, selecting content may compriseselecting static content and/or a blank screen for display. In someexamples, content may be selected for display on the sign 100 based atleast in part on the identity of the viewing target (e.g., specificcontent targeted to the individual), a speed of the sign (e.g., staticor dynamic content based on the speed of the sign), a speed of othervehicles in the environment of the vehicle, a difference between a speedof the sign and a speed of another vehicle, a geographical location ofthe sign, an environmental condition, and so on. Additionally oralternatively, the sign 100 may select content for a viewing target andadjust the sign 100 to a viewing angle that reaches the viewing target(e.g., using the adjustment mechanism and/or a privacy filter). In someinstances, two viewing angles may output the same or different contenton a single sign to present the same or different content to two or moreviewers.

The methods described herein represent sequences of operations that canbe implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In thecontext of software, the blocks represent computer-executableinstructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that,when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations.Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, and the like that performparticular functions or implement particular abstract data types. Theorder in which the operations are described is not intended to beconstrued as a limitation, and any number of the described operationscan be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement theprocesses. In some embodiments, one or more operations of the method maybe omitted entirely. By way of example and not limitation, operations2102 and 2104 may be performed without operations 2106 and 2108,operations 2104-2108 may be performed without operation 2102, and/oroperations 2102 and 2108 may be performed without operations 2104-2106.Moreover, the methods described herein can be combined in whole or inpart with each other or with other methods.

The various techniques described herein may be implemented in thecontext of computer-executable instructions or software, such as programmodules, that are stored in computer-readable storage and executed bythe processor(s) of one or more computing devices such as thoseillustrated in the figures. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., and defineoperating logic for performing particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types.

Other architectures may be used to implement the described functionalityand are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore,although specific distributions of responsibilities are defined abovefor purposes of discussion, the various functions and responsibilitiesmight be distributed and divided in different ways, depending oncircumstances.

Similarly, software may be stored and distributed in various ways andusing different means, and the particular software storage and executionconfigurations described above may be varied in many different ways.Thus, software implementing the techniques described above may bedistributed on various types of computer-readable media, not limited tothe forms of memory that are specifically described.

Description & Operation—Additional Capabilities of Sign

The signs discussed herein may have real advertising value, includingthe duration of messages, the use of messages targeted to specificlocations and specific demographics. Advertisers whose messages aredisplayed on the sign may make payment to the managers, licensees,and/or owners of the signs according to these demographics, the durationof display of a message, and so forth. This sign may also provide anopportunity for small business owners and others to present anadvertising message to a highly targeted local market at a costconsiderably below TV and/or other mass media. For example, a smallfamily or carry out restaurant may utilize the sign to inform motoriststhat one kilometer ahead they may pick up dinner or make reservations.In some instances, a merchant may make offers for products and/orservices that may be purchased by vehicle occupants and others usingcell phones, for instance. Such in-vehicle commerce may increasesubstantially as self-driving vehicles are developed and become morecommonplace. Additionally, the effectiveness of such advertising may bemeasured very quickly.

In some instances, an auction system may be employed for presentingadvertisements (or other content) on the sign. For example, during peakor rush hours, advertising space may be at a premium. Advertisers mayplace bids for advertising their content on the sign and the advertiserwith the highest bid may be permitted to advertise on the sign.Additionally, in some instances, the advertisers may register with thesign (or a platform) for reserving specific times to present theiradvertisements. In some instances, the advertisers may reserve specifictimes at a fixed rate, according to a predetermined formula (e.g., time,location, traffic, etc.), and/or an auction system.

The nature of the advertising may be used as a demographic on a largerscale. For example, a company with national sales may learn ways tooptimize their advertising at new locales by noting the duration andkinds of advertisements placed by local vendors at other similarlocales.

Buses and freight-carrying vehicles often include built-in GPS devicesthat relay their location, which may be utilized by the sign forlocation-based targeted advertising. Other information about thevehicle, such as hours of continuous operation, number, duration,location of stops, and/or the like may be deduced from this informationas well. In the future, it is anticipated that vehicles will contain“black box” transponders of a similar nature, including RFID tags, thatrelay information about the vehicle and its operator to one or morecentral locations. This information may be gathered to further customizethe operation of signs and/or to gather demographics.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

This application, described in part, an improved advertising displaysystem for use in the vicinity of vehicular traffic. Signs used in thesystem may convey video information, still information, and may beblank. A sensor comprising radar, sonar, lidar, infrared, vibration,pressure, video or other system may sense movement of vehicles in thevicinity of the sign and transmit this information to an electronicsystem that controls an operation of the sign. In some instances, whennearby traffic is moving above a predetermined speed, the sign maydisplay a still or blank image. In some instances, the sign may ceaseoutput of an image when traffic is moving above the predetermined speed.Alternatively, when nearby traffic is stopped or moving below apredetermined speed, the sign may display changing information such asvideos or a series of changing images. By operating in this way, thesign may maximize the impact of advertisements while potentiallyminimizing distraction of nearby drivers. In some instances, the systemmay gather billing information depending on the location and duration anadvertisement is displayed on the sign. Additionally, or alternatively,the system may gather demographic information about drivers and/oroccupants of vehicle. This demographic information may be transmittedvia an associated data resource. In additional instances, the system mayuse GPS data to determine a location of the sign and utilize thelocation to determine and/or select content for display that may havethe greatest advertising impact.

In some instances, the system may provide a business method whereby agovernmental unit granting display erection rights, and optionallyelectrical service and traffic control system access, on its propertyfor advertising purposes, shall receive a percentage of the revenuegenerated by advertising conducted through said display. For example,after a 35% overhead burden is subtracted, remaining revenue may beshared on an equal, or alternate, basis between the government and theadvertising media operator. Such public-private partnership is unique,as compared to, for example, franchise fees which cable TV companies paythe local franchising authority for the right to access public rightsand offer cable service. Effectively serving as a public-privatepartnership, the partnership may provide a major revenue stream formunicipalities and counties with little or no additional cost totaxpayers. Inasmuch as a sign on government property requires aneasement, license, and/or permits of various types and descriptions, itmay be advantageous to partner with the government to motivateparticipation. The system discussed herein may employ a free marketconcept in that each party contributes something to the whole andneither is parasitic. The system and/or sign may use existinginfrastructure and power sources for display support, which wouldotherwise cost many millions of dollars and take years to erect.However, in some instances, the signs may include solar panels thatpower their operation.

In some instances, the system may find value in densely populated citiessuffering from revenue declines, high crime and lack of adequate policeand other services that may benefit greatly from increased revenuesgenerated by the advertisements.

Prior art teaches in a direction opposite the instance disclosure.Conventional displays are instead limited to non-cyclic or changingimages and are intended to attract the attention of occupants in movingvehicles. In so doing, conventional signs may inevitably contribute toan increase in roadway accidents, injuries, and/or deaths. The instantdisclosure, however, produces a clear and unexpected result inpresenting an invention that may avoid driver distraction. Prior artfails this test as it is highly unlikely that any governmental agencywould permit such a system, considering that driver distraction is now asignificant cause of highway accidents and/or deaths.

It is difficult to conceive of a more urgent, long felt and unsolvedneed than reducing human deaths and crippling injuries directlyattributable to unsafe roadway and bridge conditions. As previouslynoted, “[b]ad highway design and conditions are a factor in more thanhalf the fatal crashes in the United States, contributing to more deathsthan speeding, drunken driving or failure to use seat belts . . . ”according to a 2009 study for the Transportation Construction Coalition.“Road-related conditions were a factor in 22,000 fatalities and cost$217.5 billion each year . . . ” Over a fifteen-year period perhaps wellover 300,000 people have died because of poor road conditions and thelack of roadway funding is clearly the direct cause of these deaths.

Many of today's roadways are a clear and present hazard. Certainly,there is no higher priority than preserving human life. Rarely, if ever,has there been such a clear and direct solution to such a widespread andtragic problem as presented in the instant innovation.

The lack of success of prior art illustrates the failure of others toprovide a practical solution and instead would likely contribute to anincrease in roadway deaths with distracting signage. The presentinnovation, through related funding by advertisers, may provide thefinancial resources to construct and improve public roadways, directlyreducing accidents and the resulting deaths, crippling injuries andheartache of survivors and their loved ones. The advertising industry isone of the greatest revenue generators in today's economy. Google, Inc.,for example had total revenue of almost $75 Billion in 2015, about 97%of which was derived from advertising activity. The instant inventionhas the potential to generate unprecedented advertising income that maybe applied to roadway and bridge infrastructure providing very strongfinancial incentives to governmental units in permitting placement andoperation of such signage.

Applicant asserts the innovation to be novel and unobvious, exempt fromprior art combinations and therefore patentable. It presents a long feltbut unresolved need, teaching away from the direction of the prior artand succeeding where others have conventionally failed, dating back manyyears in this rapidly advancing technological age. It provides a clearand acceptable means for funding roadway construction and improvements.

It is difficult to imagine a more direct cause and effect relationshipbetween poor roadway conditions with the loss of tens of thousands oflives and a provision of funding that would inevitably flow togovernments for the widespread construction, repair, and maintenance ofour roadways.

As previously noted, “[i]n the 1960s and early 1970s, gas taxes andother fees on drivers covered more than 70 percent of the costs ofhighway construction and maintenance . . . (today) . . . nearly as muchof the cost of building and maintaining highways now comes from generaltaxes . . . as comes from gasoline taxes or other ‘user fees’ ondrivers. Roads pay for themselves less and less over time. The share oftransportation costs covered by gasoline taxes is likely to continue todecline as a result of inflation, more fuel-efficient cars, and slowergrowth in driving.” In effect, this declining provision for road fundingis becoming an increasingly greater problem and public resistance toincreased taxes reflects little receptivity.

“The American Society of Civil Engineers has concluded that over thenext decade, it will cost more than $3.3 trillion to keep up withrepairs and replacements to U.S. roads, bridges, airports, power gridand other critical infrastructure, but based on current funding levels,the nation will come up more than $1.4 trillion short. When projected to2040, the shortfall is expected to top $5 trillion, unless new funds areallocated.”

A recent report from the state Senate said 68 percent of Californiaroads are in poor or mediocre condition, the 44th worst record in thenation. It also said the cost for all of the unfunded repairs identifiedby state and local officials in the coming decade is about $135 billion. . . If more money isn't found, “these roads will disintegrate to thepoint where they'll have to be rebuilt, which is very, very expensive,”. . . The state transportation department, Caltrans, estimates everydollar spent on preventive maintenance today averts as much as $10 inrepairs later . . . If motorists do pay more in taxes and fees, they maybe disappointed to hear that the money will do little to improve theirbiggest complaint about roads—traffic. The money under discussion isprimarily to keep roads, bridges and related infrastructure likeculverts from falling apart, not relieve traffic.

Applicant's innovation presents a clear and acceptable solution to thisgrowing problem, providing roadway funding without direct cost totaxpayers. All equipment and operational costs may be borne by theprivate partner and operational entity. Funding paid by advertisers mayprovide unprecedented income for public infrastructure construction andmaintenance.

Importantly, Applicant's system provides a highly equitable fundingsystem for roadway infrastructure construction and maintenance in thatthe users effectively, through exposure to advertising, provide asubstantial source of funding. Effectively similar to fuel tax, the moremiles driven shall generally result in more exposure to advertising.

Such a medium may also provide valuable services to vehicle occupantswith information on local food, lodging, merchandise and recreationalfacilities, heretofore not readily available. Smaller businesses may behelped by accessing lower cost highly localized advertising.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope, but as exemplifications ofsome present embodiments. Many other ramifications and variations arepossible within the teachings. Additional features may be added, such asa sound system that provides audible information to nearby drivers andpedestrians. The sign may be used to provide roadway information such asnotification of accidents or traffic ahead, child protectioninformation, and the like. The sign may be used singly or with othersigns and it may range from large to small. It may be used to displaythree-dimensional anaglyphs. The information may be displayed inmonochrome or full color.

Thus, the scope should be determined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents, rather than the examples and particulars given.

EXAMPLE CLAUSES

Any of the example clauses in this section may be used with any other ofthe example clauses and/or any of the other examples or embodimentsdescribed herein.

A: A vehicle-mounted system comprising: a sign; a sensor to sense aspeed of the vehicle-mounted system; an adjustment mechanism to adjustposition of the sign relative to a vehicle to which the sign is coupled;one or more processors communicatively coupled to the sensor and to theadjustment mechanism; and memory communicatively coupled to the one ormore processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the vehicle-mounted system to performoperations comprising: determining, based at least in part on data fromthe sensor, a speed of the vehicle to which the sign is coupled; andpositioning, by the adjustment mechanism and based at least in part onthe speed of the vehicle, the sign in one of: a first position based atleast in part on the speed of the vehicle being less than a thresholdspeed; or a second position based at least in part on the speed of thevehicle being greater than or equal to the threshold speed.

B: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph A describes, wherein the firstposition is a first height relative to the vehicle and the secondposition is a second height relative to the vehicle, the second heightbeing different than the first height.

C: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A or B describe, theadjustment mechanism further comprising a pivot about which the sign isrotatable from a first orientation to a second orientation while thesign is positioned at the first position.

D: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-C describe, wherein the signComprises an electronic display, the vehicle-mounted system furthercomprising an additional sensor to detect speed of other vehicles in anenvironment of the vehicle-mounted system, the operations furthercomprising: detecting, by the additional sensor, speed of anothervehicle in the environment; and outputting, by the electronic display,one of: a first image based at least in part on the speed of the othervehicle being below the threshold speed; a second image based at leastin part on the speed of the other vehicle being at or above thethreshold speed.

E: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-D describe, furthercomprising at least one of shutters, mechanical blinds, a privacyfilter, or other view-limiting structure disposed on a face of the signthat limits viewing of the sign to a first range of viewing angles thatis less than a range of viewing angles from which the sign is otherwiseviewable.

F: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-E describe, wherein the signis oriented toward a viewing target located behind the vehicle to whichthe vehicle-mounted system is coupled.

G: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-F describe, wherein in atleast one of the first position or the second position the sign isdisposed above a viewing target and is oriented such that an axis normalto a face of the sign is oriented below the horizon.

H: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-G describe, furthercomprising an additional sensor to detect objects in an environment ofthe vehicle-mounted system, the operations further comprising:detecting, based at least in part on sensor data form the additionalsensor, a viewing target to view the sign; and orientating, by theadjustment mechanism, the sign toward the viewing target.

I: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-H describe, the operationsfurther comprising automatically moving the sign from the one of firstposition or the second position to the other of the first position orthe second position based at least in part on a change in the speed ofthe vehicle.

J: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-I describe, furthercomprising an additional sensor to determine location, the operationsfurther comprising: determining, based on data from the additionalsensor, a location of the vehicle-mounted system; wherein thepositioning the sign is further based at least in part on the locationof the vehicle-mounted system.

K: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-J describe, furthercomprising an additional sensor to detect an environmental condition,the operations further comprising: determining whether the environmentalcondition is detected by the additional sensor; and wherein positioningof the sign is further based at least in part on the presence or absenceof the environmental condition.

L: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-K describe, wherein the signcomprises an electronic display, the vehicle-mounted system furthercomprising an additional sensor to detect speed of another vehicle in anenvironment of the vehicle-mounted system, the operations furthercomprising: detecting, by the additional sensor, speed of anothervehicle in the environment; and wherein positioning of the sign isfurther based at least in part on the speed of the other vehicle.

M: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-L describe, wherein thefirst position corresponds to an active state of the sign in which thesign is viewable by a viewer and the second position corresponds to aninactive state of the sign in which the sign is not viewable by theviewer.

N: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs A-M describe, furthercomprising an additional sensor communicatively coupled to theadjustment mechanism, the additional sensor configured to detect motionof the vehicle, the operations further comprising: detecting motion ofthe vehicle; and adjusting at least one of position or orientation ofthe sign to at least partially compensate for the motion of the vehicle.

O: A method comprising: determining, based at least in part on data froma sensor, a speed of a vehicle to which a sign is coupled; andpositioning, by an adjustment mechanism and based at least in part onthe speed of the vehicle, the sign in one of: a first position based atleast in part on the speed of the vehicle being less than a thresholdspeed; or a second position based at least in part on the speed of thevehicle being greater than or equal to the threshold speed.

P: A method as paragraph O describes, wherein the first position is afirst height relative to the vehicle and the second position is a secondheight relative to the vehicle, the second height being different thanthe first height.

Q: A method as paragraphs O or P describe, further comprising changingan orientation of the sign from a first orientation to a secondorientation while the sign is positioned at the first position.

R: A method as paragraphs O-Q describe, wherein the sign comprises anelectronic display, further comprising: detecting, by an additionalsensor, speed of another vehicle in an environment of the vehicle; andoutputting, by the electronic display, one of: a first image based atleast in part on the speed of the other vehicle being below thethreshold speed; a second image based at least in part on the speed ofthe other vehicle being at or above the threshold speed.

S: A method as paragraphs O-R describe, further comprising adjusting aviewing angle over which the sign is viewable by a viewing target.

T: A method as paragraphs O-S describe, further comprising: detecting,based at least in part on sensor data form an additional sensor, aviewing target to view the sign; and orientating the sign toward theviewing target.

U: A vehicle-mounted system comprising: a sign including a displayviewable from a range of viewing angles; a sensor to measure a positionof a viewing target relative to the sign; one or more processorscommunicatively coupled to the sign and to the sensor; and memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the vehicle-mounted system to perform operations comprising:receiving sensor data from the sensor indicative of a position of theviewing target relative to the sign; adjusting a viewing angle overwhich the display is viewable by the viewing target based at least inpart on the received sensor data indicating the position of the viewingtarget relative to the sign; and outputting image data for display onthe sign at the viewing angle.

V: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph U describes, wherein theoperations further comprise adjusting at least one of the image data orthe viewing angle based at least in part on an absolute speed of theviewing target.

W: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U or V describe, whereinadjusting the image data comprises: adjusting the image data to staticimage data based at least in part on a determination that the viewingtarget is moving relative to the sign; or adjusting the image data todynamic image data based at least in part on a determination that theviewing target is not moving relative to the sign.

X: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-W describe, wherein theoperations further comprise determining a difference between a speed ofthe sign and a speed of the viewing target and adjusting at least one ofthe image data or the viewing angle based at least in part on thedetermined difference.

Y: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-X describe, wherein theoperations further comprise adjusting at least one of the image data orthe viewing angle based at least in part on an absolute speed of thesign.

Z: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-Y describe, wherein theoperations further comprise relocating the sign from a first position toa second position based at least in part on the sensor data.

AA: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-Z describe, wherein theviewing target is a vehicle and wherein the operations further comprisedetermining whether one or more occupants are inside the vehicle andwherein adjusting the viewing angle is further based at least in part onthe occupancy determination.

AB: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AA describe, furthercomprising an adjustment mechanism coupling the sign to a vehicle ortrailer, and wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust anorientation of the sign relative to the vehicle or the trailer accordingto the adjusted viewing angle.

AC: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AB describe, furthercomprising a light sensor, wherein the operations further comprise:determining, via the light sensor, a brightness of an environment inwhich the display resides; and at least one of: increasing a brightnessof the display based at least in part on the brightness; or decreasing abrightness of the display based at least in part on the brightness.

AD: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AC describe, furthercomprising a camera, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving,from the camera, image data representing one or more occupants orpedestrians associated with the viewing target; and determininginformation about the one or more occupants, wherein the image data isbased at least in part on the information about of the one or moreoccupants.

AE: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AD describe, furthercomprising an adjustment mechanism rotatably coupling the sign to avehicle, wherein adjusting the viewing angle over which the display isviewable comprises rotating the display relative to the vehicle about atleast one of a vertical axis or a horizontal axis.

AF: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AE describe, furthercomprising an adjustment mechanism rotatably coupling the sign to avehicle, wherein adjusting the viewing angle over which the display isviewable comprises translating the sign at least one of vertically orhorizontally.

AG: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AF describe, whereinadjusting the viewing angle comprises increasing the viewing angle ordecreasing the viewing angle.

AH: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs U-AG describe, wherein theoperations further comprise moving the vehicle-mounted system based atleast in part on a location of the viewing target.

AI: A vehicle-mounted system comprising a sign including a displayviewable from a range of viewing angles; a sensor to sense objects in anenvironment of the vehicle-mounted system; and one or more processorscommunicatively coupled to the sign and to the sensor; and memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the vehicle-mounted system to perform operations comprising:determining a location of a target audience relative to thevehicle-mounted system; determining, based at least in part on thelocation of the target audience and the range of viewing angles, whetherthe display is viewable by the target audience; and outputting, based atleast in part on whether the display is viewable by the target audience,image data for display on the sign.

AJ: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph AI describes, wherein thevehicle-mounted system is mounted to an aerial-based vehicle or aground-based vehicle.

AK: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AI or AJ describe, theoperations further comprising relocating the vehicle-mounted system froma first position to a second position based at least in part on a speedof the sign and a location of the target audience.

AL: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AI-AK describe, furthercomprising a solar power source configured to provide power to thevehicle-mounted system.

AM: A vehicle-mounted system comprising: a sign including a displayviewable from a range of viewing angles; a sensor to sense objects in anenvironment of the vehicle-mounted system; and one or more processorscommunicatively coupled to the sign and to the sensor; and memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the vehicle-mounted system to perform operations comprising:obtaining sensor data from the sensor indicative of a first position ofthe sign relative to a target audience; detecting that the targetaudience viewed the sign or that a threshold period of time elapsed withthe sign in the first position; and controlling the sign to move fromthe first position to a second position different from the firstposition.

AN: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph AM describes, whereincontrolling the sign is based at least in part on the target audienceviewing the sign or the threshold period of time elapsing.

AO: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AM or AN describe, whereincontrolling the sign to move from the first position to the secondposition is performed after the threshold period of time elapsed, andwherein the second position is viewable by the target audience.

AP: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AM-AO describe, theoperations further comprising applying gaze tracking on the targetaudience and moving the sign to a position aligned with the tracked gazeof the target audience.

AQ: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AM-AP describe, theoperations further comprising: displaying a visual indicator to attractattention to the sign prior to the threshold period of time elapsing.

AR: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AM-AQ describe, wherein thevisual indicator includes flashing light emitted from the display or alight source coupled to the sign.

AS: A vehicle-mounted system comprising: a sign including a displayviewable from a range of viewing angles; a sensor to sense objects in anenvironment of the vehicle-mounted system; and one or more processorscommunicatively coupled to the sign and to the sensor; and memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the vehicle-mounted system to perform operations comprising:determining, based at least in part on receiving data from the sensor, afirst viewing angle at which to display an image on the sign relative toa target audience; displaying first image data on the sign at the firstviewing angle relative to the target audience; receiving a signal fromthe target audience; determining, based at least in part on the signal,that the target audience viewed the sign; and at least one of:displaying second image data on the sign at the first viewing anglerelative to the target audience; or moving at least a portion of thesign to display the first image data to a second target audience.

AT: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph AS describes, wherein thesignal comprises a gesture from the target audience.

AU: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AS or AT describe, whereinthe signal comprises a signal from a mobile device of the targetaudience.

AV: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AS-AU describe, theoperations further comprising recognizing, using a facial recognitiontechnique, an identify of the target audience.

AW: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AS-AV describe, wherein thedisplay comprises a curved screen or multiple screens.

AX: A vehicle-mounted system comprising: a sign including a displayviewable from a range of viewing angles; a sensor to sense objects in anenvironment of the vehicle-mounted system; and one or more processorscommunicatively coupled to the sign and to the sensor; and memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the vehicle-mounted system to perform operations comprising:positioning a sign for viewing by a first target at a first locationbased at least in part on receiving data from the sensor; receiving asignal indicative of interaction between the first target and the signbased at least in part on the sensor detecting a signal from the firsttarget; and re-positioning the sign for viewing by a second target at asecond location based at least in part on the received signal indicativeof interaction between the first target and the sign.

AY: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph AX describes, wherein thesignal is received from a mobile device associated with the firsttarget.

AZ: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AX or AY describe, whereinthe signal received from the device associated with the first targetindicates that an offer sent from the sign to the mobile device wasreceived.

BA: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AX-AZ describe, wherein thesignal comprises a gesture from the first target and relative to thesign indicating a context for whether or not to continue to present thedisplay to the first target.

BB: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AX-BA describe, wherein thegesture comprises motion by a human relative to the sign.

BC: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AX-BB describe, wherein thegesture causes the sign to: present specific image data; sendinformation to a device of the first target; or relocate to a newtarget.

BD: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs AX-BC describe, theoperations further comprising causing the display to generate secondimage data for display at the sign based at least in part on thereceived signal indicative of interaction between the first target andthe sign.

BE: A vehicle-mounted system comprising: a motion sensor; a signincluding a display viewable from a range of viewing angles; and memorycommunicatively connected to the sign, the memory storing instructionsthat, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform operations comprising: determining, based at leastin part on receiving data from the motion sensor, the range of viewingangles relative to the display; outputting for display on the sign at afirst viewing angle in the range of viewing angles, first image data;and outputting for display on the sign at a second viewing angle in therange of viewing angles, second image data different from the firstimage data, wherein outputting the first image data or outputting thesecond image data is based at least in part on detecting a thresholdnumber of vehicles within the range of viewing angles relative to thedisplay.

BF: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraph BE describes, wherein thefirst image data is output for display and the second image data isoutput for display while the sign is at a first location.

BG: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs BE or BF describe, theoperations further comprising selecting the first viewing angle and thesecond viewing angle from the range of viewing angles based at least inpart on an optimization ranking associated with each viewing angle.

BH: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs BE-BG describe, wherein thefirst image data corresponds to at least one of: a dynamic image; achanging image; or video data; and the second image data corresponds toat least one of: a static image; a blank image; or at least twosequential images.

BI: A vehicle-mounted system as paragraphs BE-BH describe, wherein atleast one of the first image data or the second image data is based atleast in part on a location of the display.

BJ: A system comprising: one or more processors; a display configured todisplay first content and second content that is different than thefirst content; a viewing angle limiting component disposed in, on, or infront of the display to limit a range of angles within which the displayis viewable to a limited range of angles; and one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that,when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform acts comprising: determining a speed of one ormore vehicles; and at least one of: based at least in part on the speedof the one or more vehicles being less than a threshold speed,displaying the first content on the display; or based at least in parton the speed of the one or more vehicles being greater than or equal tothe threshold speed, displaying the second content on the display

BK: A system comprising: one or more processors; and one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe one or more processors to perform operations comprising: determiningfirst content for presentation on a display within an environment when aspeed of one or more vehicles within a field of view (FOV) of thedisplay is less than a threshold speed; determining second content forpresentation on the display when the speed of the one or more vehicleswithin the FOV is greater than the threshold speed, the second contentbeing different than the first content; and transmitting, to thedisplay, at least one of the first content or the second content.

BL: The system as paragraph BK describes, the operations furthercomprising determining a location of the display, wherein at least oneof the first content or the second content is based at least in part onthe location.

BM: The system as paragraphs BK or BL describe, wherein: the firstcontent comprises at least one of: a dynamic image; a changing image; orvideo data; and the second content comprises at least one of: a staticimage; a blank image; or at least two sequential images.

BN: The system as paragraphs BK-BM describe, the operations furthercomprising: receiving, from the display, first data associated with atleast one of: a first number of vehicles within the FOV during output ofthe first content; or a first amount of time associated with the outputof the first content; determining a first rate associated with theoutput of the first content; receiving, from the display, second dataassociated with at least one of: a second number of vehicles within theFOV during output of the second content; or a second amount of timeassociated with the output of the second content; and determining asecond rate associated with the output of the second content.

BO: The system as paragraphs BK-BN describe, wherein the transmittingcomprises transmitting the first content and the second content, theoperations further comprising transmitting instructions indicating topresent: the first content when the speed of one or more vehicles isless than the threshold speed; and the second content when the speed ofone or more vehicles is greater than the threshold speed.

BP: The system as paragraphs BK-BO describe, further comprisingreceiving sensor data indicating the speed of one or more vehicleswithin the FOV, wherein the transmitting the at least one of the firstcontent or the second content is based at least in part on the sensordata.

BQ: A method comprising: determining first content to be displayed on asign within an environment; determining second content to be displayedon the sign within the environment, the second content being differentthan the first content; determining first criteria associated with thesign displaying the first content, wherein the first content isdisplayed based at least in part on the first criteria being satisfied;determining second criteria associated with the sign displaying thesecond content, wherein the second content is displayed based at leastin part on the second criteria being satisfied; and transmitting, to thesign, at least one of the first content or the second content.

BR: The method as paragraph BQ describes, wherein: the first criteriacomprises at least one of: a first speed of one or more vehicles withina field of view (FOV) of the sign being less than a threshold speed; anumber of the one or more vehicles; a second speed of a vehicle to whichthe sign couples; or a time of day; and the second criteria comprises atleast one of: the first speed of the one or more vehicles within FOVbeing greater than the threshold speed; the number of the one or morevehicles; the second speed of the vehicle; or the time of day.

BS: The method as paragraphs BQ or BR describe, further comprising:determining at least one of: a first number of observants within a fieldof view (FOV) of the sign during output of the first content; a firstamount of time associated with the output of the first content; or afirst time at which the first content was output; determining a firstrate associated with the output of the first content; determining atleast one of: a second number of observants within the FOV during outputof the second content; a second amount of time associated with theoutput of the second content; or a second time at which the secondcontent was output; and determining a second rate associated with theoutput of the second content.

BT: The method as paragraphs BQ-BS describe, further comprisingdetermining a location of the sign, wherein at least one of the firstcontent or the second content is based at least in part on the location.

BU: The method as paragraphs BQ-BT describe, further comprising:determining third content for presentation on a second sign that isdifferent than the sign; determining third criteria associated with thesecond sign displaying the third content, wherein the third content isdisplayed based at least in part on the third criteria being satisfied;and transmitting, to the second sign, the third content.

BV: The method as paragraphs BQ-BU describe, wherein: the first contentcomprises at least one of: a dynamic image; a changing image; or videodata; and the second content comprises at least one of: a static image;a blank image; or at least two sequential images.

BW: The method as paragraphs BQ-BV describe, wherein the transmittingcomprises transmitting the first content and the second content, furthercomprising: transmitting the first criteria indicating to display thefirst content based at least in part on the first criteria beingsatisfied; and transmitting the second criteria indicating to displaythe second content based at least in part on the second criteria beingsatisfied.

BX: The method as paragraphs BQ-BW describe, further comprising:receiving sensor data from the sign; and determining, based at least inpart on the sensor data, that one of the first criteria or the secondcriteria is satisfied, wherein the transmitting the at least one of thefirst content or the second content comprises: transmitting the firstcontent based at least in part on the first criteria being satisfied;and transmitting the second content based at least in part on the secondcriteria being satisfied.

BY: A computer-readable storage medium having computer executableinstructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform operations comprising: determining first content forpresentation on a display when first criteria is satisfied; determiningsecond content for presentation on the display when second criteria issatisfied, the second content being different than the first content;and transmitting, to the display, at least one of the first content orthe second content.

BZ: The computer-readable storage medium as paragraph BY describes,wherein: the first criteria comprises at least one of: a first speed ofone or more vehicles within a field of view (FOV) of the display beingless than a threshold speed; a number of the one or more vehicles withinthe FOV; a second speed of a vehicle to which the display couples; or atime of day; and the second criteria comprises at least one of: thefirst speed of the one or more vehicles within FOV being greater thanthe threshold speed; the number of the one or more vehicles; the secondspeed of the vehicle; or the time of day.

CA: The computer-readable storage medium as paragraphs BY or BZdescribe, wherein: the first content comprises at least one of: adynamic image; a changing image; or video data; and the second contentcomprises at least one of: a static image; a blank image; or at leasttwo sequential images.

CB: The computer-readable storage medium as paragraphs BY-CA describe,the operations further comprising: receiving, from the display, firstdata associated with at least one of: a first number of observantswithin a field of view (FOV) of the display during output of the firstcontent; a first amount of time associated with the output of the firstcontent; or a first time at which the first content was output;determining a first rate associated with the output of the firstcontent; receiving, from the display, second data associated with atleast one of: a second number of observants within the FOV during outputof the second content; a second amount of time associated with theoutput of the second content; or a second time at which the secondcontent was output; and determining a second rate associated with theoutput of the second content.

CC: The computer-readable storage medium as paragraphs BY-CB describe,wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting the first content andthe second content, the operations further comprising: transmitting thefirst criteria indicating to display the first content based at least inpart on the first criteria being satisfied; and transmitting the secondcriteria indicating to display the second content based at least in parton the second criteria being satisfied.

CD: The computer-readable storage medium as paragraphs BY-CC describe,the operations further comprising: receiving sensor data from thedisplay; and determining that one of the first criteria or the secondcriteria is satisfied, wherein the transmitting the at least one of thefirst content or the second content comprises: transmitting the firstcontent based at least in part on the first criteria being satisfied;and transmitting the second content based at least in part on the secondcriteria being satisfied.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: one or more processors; andone or more non-transitory computer-readable media storingcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform operationscomprising: determining first content for presentation on a displaywithin an environment when a speed of one or more vehicles within afield of view (FOV) of the display is less than a threshold speed;determining second content for presentation on the display when thespeed of the one or more vehicles within the FOV is greater than thethreshold speed, the second content being different than the firstcontent; and transmitting, to the display, at least one of the firstcontent or the second content.
 2. The system of claim 1, the operationsfurther comprising determining a location of the display, wherein atleast one of the first content or the second content is based at leastin part on the location.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the firstcontent comprises at least one of: a dynamic image; a changing image; orvideo data; and the second content comprises at least one of: a staticimage; a blank image; or at least two sequential images.
 4. The systemof claim 1, the operations further comprising: receiving, from thedisplay, first data associated with at least one of: a first number ofvehicles within the FOV during output of the first content; or a firstamount of time associated with the output of the first content;determining a first rate associated with the output of the firstcontent; receiving, from the display, second data associated with atleast one of: a second number of vehicles within the FOV during outputof the second content; or a second amount of time associated with theoutput of the second content; and determining a second rate associatedwith the output of the second content.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe transmitting comprises transmitting the first content and the secondcontent, the operations further comprising transmitting instructionsindicating to present: the first content when the speed of one or morevehicles is less than the threshold speed; and the second content whenthe speed of one or more vehicles is greater than the threshold speed.6. The system of claim 1, further comprising receiving sensor dataindicating the speed of one or more vehicles within the FOV, wherein thetransmitting the at least one of the first content or the second contentis based at least in part on the sensor data.
 7. A method comprising:determining first content to be displayed on a sign within anenvironment; determining second content to be displayed on the signwithin the environment, the second content being different than thefirst content; determining first criteria associated with the signdisplaying the first content, wherein the first content is displayedbased at least in part on the first criteria being satisfied;determining second criteria associated with the sign displaying thesecond content, wherein the second content is displayed based at leastin part on the second criteria being satisfied; and transmitting, to thesign, at least one of the first content or the second content.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein: the first criteria comprises at least oneof: a first speed of one or more vehicles within a field of view (FOV)of the sign being less than a threshold speed; a number of the one ormore vehicles; a second speed of a vehicle to which the sign couples; ora time of day; and the second criteria comprises at least one of: thefirst speed of the one or more vehicles within FOV being greater thanthe threshold speed; the number of the one or more vehicles; the secondspeed of the vehicle; or the time of day.
 9. The method of claim 7,further comprising: determining at least one of: a first number ofobservants within a field of view (FOV) of the sign during output of thefirst content; a first amount of time associated with the output of thefirst content; or a first time at which the first content was output;determining a first rate associated with the output of the firstcontent; determining at least one of: a second number of observantswithin the FOV during output of the second content; a second amount oftime associated with the output of the second content; or a second timeat which the second content was output; and determining a second rateassociated with the output of the second content.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising determining a location of the sign, whereinat least one of the first content or the second content is based atleast in part on the location.
 11. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: determining third content for presentation on a second signthat is different than the sign; determining third criteria associatedwith the second sign displaying the third content, wherein the thirdcontent is displayed based at least in part on the third criteria beingsatisfied; and transmitting, to the second sign, the third content. 12.The method of claim 7, wherein: the first content comprises at least oneof: a dynamic image; a changing image; or video data; and the secondcontent comprises at least one of: a static image; a blank image; or atleast two sequential images.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein thetransmitting comprises transmitting the first content and the secondcontent, further comprising: transmitting the first criteria indicatingto display the first content based at least in part on the firstcriteria being satisfied; and transmitting the second criteriaindicating to display the second content based at least in part on thesecond criteria being satisfied.
 14. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: receiving sensor data from the sign; and determining, basedat least in part on the sensor data, that one of the first criteria orthe second criteria is satisfied, wherein the transmitting the at leastone of the first content or the second content comprises: transmittingthe first content based at least in part on the first criteria beingsatisfied; and transmitting the second content based at least in part onthe second criteria being satisfied.
 15. A computer-readable storagemedium having computer executable instructions which, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:determining first content for presentation on a display when firstcriteria is satisfied; determining second content for presentation onthe display when second criteria is satisfied, the second content beingdifferent than the first content; and transmitting, to the display, atleast one of the first content or the second content.
 16. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: the firstcriteria comprises at least one of: a first speed of one or morevehicles within a field of view (FOV) of the display being less than athreshold speed; a number of the one or more vehicles within the FOV; asecond speed of a vehicle to which the display couples; or a time ofday; and the second criteria comprises at least one of: the first speedof the one or more vehicles within FOV being greater than the thresholdspeed; the number of the one or more vehicles; the second speed of thevehicle; or the time of day.
 17. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 15, wherein: the first content comprises at least one of: adynamic image; a changing image; or video data; and the second contentcomprises at least one of: a static image; a blank image; or at leasttwo sequential images.
 18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim15, the operations further comprising: receiving, from the display,first data associated with at least one of: a first number of observantswithin a field of view (FOV) of the display during output of the firstcontent; a first amount of time associated with the output of the firstcontent; or a first time at which the first content was output;determining a first rate associated with the output of the firstcontent; receiving, from the display, second data associated with atleast one of: a second number of observants within the FOV during outputof the second content; a second amount of time associated with theoutput of the second content; or a second time at which the secondcontent was output; and determining a second rate associated with theoutput of the second content.
 19. The computer-readable storage mediumof claim 15, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting the firstcontent and the second content, the operations further comprising:transmitting the first criteria indicating to display the first contentbased at least in part on the first criteria being satisfied; andtransmitting the second criteria indicating to display the secondcontent based at least in part on the second criteria being satisfied.20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, the operationsfurther comprising: receiving sensor data from the display; anddetermining that one of the first criteria or the second criteria issatisfied, wherein the transmitting the at least one of the firstcontent or the second content comprises: transmitting the first contentbased at least in part on the first criteria being satisfied; andtransmitting the second content based at least in part on the secondcriteria being satisfied.